The RAV4 and Outlander are two Japanese compact crossovers from automakers Toyota and Mitsubishi, respectively. Both models are popular in the Russian car market. They are sold in mono- and all-wheel drive versions. They come with a choice of powertrains and gearboxes.
The cars belong to the same segment - compact crossovers for cities, family parkettes. Despite the presence of 4x4 modifications, the main habitat - city streets and light country roads. It is not able to conquer real lack of roads.
The models can be considered as twin-brothers. The general similarity can be traced in overall dimensions, equipment level and price of a complete set. However, if you study the cars in more detail, you can find a lot of differences.
Today we will compare cars from Toyota and Mitsubishi and answer the question: "Which crossover is better to buy: Toyota Rav4 or Mitsubishi Outlander?"
Outlander vs. RAV4. Comparison of two "Japanese" in the market in the SUV class
A brief description of the models
RAV4 - car, tested by years and hundreds of kilometers of roads. One of the strong middles (in terms of sales) in the segment of compact crossovers.
Now the fourth generation of the car is being sold on the domestic market. Compared to the third generation model, it looks more elegant and has an increased wheelbase. The car has also grown in length and width, so there is more space in the back of the cabin.
Outlander for a long time did not dare to challenge its successful Japanese compatriot, yielding in many components. And only the third-generation model is trying to squeeze the competitor. The body of the car is made according to the X-styling, referring to the automobile design from Steve Mattin.
In 2016, Mitsubishi did a deep restyling of the model, refining the noise insulation, expanding the list of options and improving the suspension. But is that enough to beat a strong rival in the form of Toyota?
Comparison of technical characteristics of Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4
The following transmissions are available for the RAV4:
1 MANUAL TRANSMISSION-6.
2 Stepless variator.
3 Automatic transmission with 6 speeds.
There is a choice of two engines - 3ZR-FE (4 cylinders, 146 horsepower, 2L, 187 Nm of maximum torque) and 2AR-FE (4-cylinder, 180 hp, with a maximum thrust of 233 Nm and a displacement of 2.5L).
More power units are available for the Mitsubishi Outlander. The engine lineup consists of the following options:
1 A 2L motor with 196 Nm of thrust and a maximum output of 146 horsepower.
2 167-horsepower 2.4 four-cylinder.
3 V6 3.0 with 230 horsepower.
When buying Outlander it is not possible to choose a manual transmission. The automaker offers Russians a variator and a six-band "automatic". The automatic transmission is available only in the expensive Sport version. It works together with the most powerful engine in the lineup (V6).
Conclusion: the presence of manual transmission in the transmission lineup is a serious advantage of Toyota Rav4. Cars with this gearbox are slightly more dynamic and faster. The variator has less reliability and increased maintenance and repair costs.
On the other hand, there is a weighty argument in Outlander's engine family - the 6-cylinder 230 hp motor. It is powerful, dynamic and moderately economical. It is excellent for fans of active driving and fans of crossovers from Mitsubishi.
Car Exteriors
Appearance is a subjective thing. Many motorists consider the front part of the updated RAV4 lighter and more feminine. Although it is a matter of taste. As a whole, the Toyota exterior is bored. Designers of the concern do not have enough spirit to really change something in the appearance of the compact urban CUV.
Competing automaker developed the design of the new crossover based on the company's Dynamic Shield concept. The solutions used in the creation of the Outlander's exterior appearance can be considered more successful and bolder. The car really looks beautiful.
Conclusion: Mitsubishi has a more aggressive look due to more chrome, X-shaped front end with stylish headlights. Overall, it looks nicer and more harmonious, especially in white or black body colors.
The interior of Outlander during the last restyling practically has not changed. The interior is still full of rough plastic, diluted with beautiful decorative inserts and a soft overlay on the visor of the dashboard.
Designers of Mitsubishi have brought new details into the interior. The main innovation is another steering wheel. There is a glove holder and auto-dimming rear-view mirror (available in Ultimate version). But in general, the interior looks traditionally, is more conservative compared to Toyota's.
RAV4 does not boast a lot of innovations. The interior is qualitative, with time-tested design solutions from Toyota. The trim materials are a little bit better. One significant drawback is the pseudo-carbon lining, framing the door panels and the gearshift. They not only look cheap, but also quickly scratch.
Conclusion: the interiors of the cars are similar in many ways. Classic, without any bold design solutions and unique interior "chips". Although the interior of RAV4 is a little fresher and more interesting. Also, Toyota is ahead of the competitor in terms of quality and expensive finishing materials.
About the luggage compartment
RAV4 trunk has a capacity of 577 liters. The loading height indicator is 64 cm. With folded back sofa the length of luggage compartment increases from 95 up to 190 cm, that allows transporting long loads.
The trunk volume of Outlander is less by 100 liters (477 liters). The loading height is more, which is not always convenient. It is 71 cm. Under the flat surface of the floor there is an organizer. Consists of several compartments, separated by partitions. The maximum length of the luggage compartment with the rear seats folded down is 183 cm.
The Toyota car has a spare tire, and the competitor's car has a full-fledged spare wheel under the bottom.
Conclusion: here the RAV4 "breaks" its competitor. Not a chance.
Impressions from driving
Toyota RAV4
The stabilization system in Japanese crossover very quickly besieges the driver on roads. It does not tolerate twitchy and abrupt steering. At the slightest drift it limits the traction of the power unit. It is completely disconnected. It is also possible to switch Toyota to the sport mode for more venturesome driving.
The chassis was upgraded during the last restyling. The main attention was paid to the smooth running. The updated CUV softly handles small bumps in the road. However, on more problematic areas you can not get rid of the characteristic body shudders.
The steering wheel is informative, but too heavy. Dynamism is enough only in the 180 hp versions. The engine with 146 "horses" capacity is more suitable for quiet and calm driving.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The similar situation with electronic assistants (the system of stabilization) in Outlander. It clearly keeps the car on the trajectory, reduces the probability of drifts and skidding on the road. Completely disconnected by holding a special button for a few seconds.
Slightly more venturesome and sportier in its behavior than its competitor. More collected on the roads. Provides comfortable and soft driving at the expense of better working off of road irregularities (holes, potholes etc.).
In the engine range the 3-liter power unit is available which is completed with the non-alternative 6-band "automatic machine". 230 horsepower is enough for active driving, sharp overtaking and shifting. The motor has decent traction. The main drawback is the high cost of the Sport configuration.
The 164-horsepower version of Mitsubishi's parkette is less powerful than the top 2.5 engine of the RAV4. The car goes slower. It is not so responsive to the gas pedal. Dynamics is at an average level.
Conclusion: I liked the Mitsubishi Outlander more in terms of driving qualities. It is softer and calmer. Slightly more reckless driving, although it drives slower (except for versions with V6). Doesn't seem as heavy as the Toyota Rev4. Variator doesn't ruin the overall ride experience. Well tuned and intelligent, but takes some getting used to.
More or less serious lack of roads is strictly contraindicated for both cars. There is parity here.
