When it comes to plug-in hybrids, there's two models that stand out. There’s the Outlander PHEV, and the RAV4 Prime. But which one is better? Is it the Outlander and its lower price, or the RAV4 Prime, and its more upscale look. We’ll be putting them head to head so you know what you want before you leave the house.
Key takeaways
- If you’re needing a three row SUV for the family, then you need an Outlander PHEV, as the RAV4 Prime is only 2 rows.
- For the entry level trims, both models share similar features, but the Outlander PHEV comes with a better price.
- No matter which model you look at, both come with some of the same safety features, making them equal in that regard.
- The higher-end Outlander comes with even better features such as massaging seats, almost making it feel like a luxury vehicle.
When it comes to a family vehicle, you don’t want something that is expensive, and Mitsubishi kept that in mind. The starting price of the Outlander PHEV is $40,445, and it goes up to $50,445. Car and Driver notes that you “get a lot for the money with the Outlander Hybrid”, really highlighting what the experts think of it.
The RAV4 Prime has a slightly higher starting price at $44,265, and goes up to $48,135. On the higher-end, it is less expensive, but for an entry level option, the Outlander is the way to go. For the price of the RAV4 Prime, the “dull driving experience” that Car and Driver notes is another reason to avoid the higher price tag.
On the entry level trims, you’ll find that the Outlander comes with a bit more. The standard infotainment screen you can look for on the Outlander is an 8-inch screen for the base trim, and a 9-inch screen for the rest of the lineup.
The RAV4 Prime comes with either a 8-inch screen, or a 10.5-inch screen, depending on the trim. While the screen is larger, so is the price tag.
Which comes with better features for the family: Outlander PHEV.
The Outlander PHEV comes with better family features, and not just ones that are part of the tech list. The Outlander comes with three row seating, allowing up to 7 passengers. Comparing this to the RAV4 Prime, it only comes with two rows, having 5 passenger seating.
If you’re planning on being the coolest soccer mom, picking up your kids, and their friends, then the extra seats for the Outlander is what you need.
Being that Outlander has extra seating positions, it needs some added creature comforts to make it worth it, and it does. Coming with 3-zone automatic climate control, helping everyone stay comfortable. The RAV4 Prime does offer dual-zone climate control, still giving your passengers some comfort.
On the high-end trims, a few things that the Outlander PHEV has over the RAV4 Prime is the heated steering wheel, as well as massaging seats for the front row. The RAV4 prime can’t quite match that, giving the edge to the Outlander PHEV for a comfortable family vehicle.
Which is safer: It’s a tie
The other large area when it comes to picking a family vehicle is safety. We want to give credit where it’s due, and that’s by saying that both vehicles share the same safety features.
No matter which model you look at, you’ll find automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and even adaptive cruise control. All of these work in tandem to help keep you, and your family safe while on the road.
Which is the best model to get?
If you’re looking for the best family-friendly plug-in hybrid 2025, the Outlander PHEV is the one for you. Coming with great safety, great price, and great features, you can’t really beat the Outlander.
If you’re wanting to see one in person, we invite you to come on down to St Pete Mitsubishi today. We’ll show you what we have in stock, and show you what makes it great.