Mitsubishi Outlander vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander was available in ES, SE, and SEL trims, offering both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Its exterior design was bold and distinctive, featuring a unique lighting arrangement with a thin upper eyebrow for daytime running lights and a large, square headlight below, highlighted by a chrome bezel. Despite subtle changes to the grille and diffuser, the Outlander maintained its unconventional appearance, which might not appeal to everyone. Inside, the top SEL trim offered a more refined experience with quilted leather seats, soft-touch surfaces, and Yamaha speaker faces inspired by Japanese geometric patterns. However, some plastic elements detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, offered a more sophisticated exterior with a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid stood out with a standard panoramic glass roof and 22-inch wheels. The rear LED lighting spanned the vehicle's width, complemented by a small roof spoiler and roof rails. Inside, the TX provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, especially in the third row, which accommodated adults with ease. The interior featured multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled seats, and ambient lighting. However, the material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles were more of a novelty than a necessity.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While its AWD system, developed from rally racing, provided stability on curvy roads, the vehicle's acceleration was lackluster, and the CVT transmission exhibited a droney, rubber-band feeling. The Outlander offered various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, but the suspension felt harsh on city streets. Fuel economy was rated at 26 miles per gallon combined, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The plug-in hybrid version offered a more powerful 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel rating of 64 MPGe and 38 miles of all-electric range.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered an impressive 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The vehicle offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, making it versatile for various driving conditions. The TX provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes effortlessly. The AWD system allowed for power distribution between the front and rear wheels, enhancing traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's adaptive cruise control and drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom, allowed for a tailored driving experience, although the Sport mode was not overly aggressive.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander included a third row of seating, but with only 18.7 inches of legroom, it was suitable for small children or short trips. With the third row in place, cargo space was limited to less than 11 cubic feet, but folding it down expanded storage to 30 cubic feet. The interior featured digital HVAC displays with physical controls for ease of use. The top-line model offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. However, the cup holders were shallow, causing issues with larger bottles during sudden stops.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided a spacious interior with luxury features like multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was notably roomy, with a recline function and ample headroom. Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seats, although folding them flat required a specific sequence of lever adjustments. The front seats were comfortable but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. The vehicle could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a Yamaha premium sound system with up to 12 speakers and customizable sound modes. The infotainment system included a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a physical volume knob and camera system button. Upper trims offered a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect provided remote services, including starting the heated seats and defrosters, for a subscription fee after a trial period.

The 2026 Lexus TX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, although some features lacked user-friendliness. The steering wheel buttons were multifunctional but confusing, and the infotainment system occasionally switched from satellite radio to Apple CarPlay unexpectedly. Smartphone connectivity required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features. The TX offered a clear backup camera with an available bird’s-eye view and Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the vehicle ensured devices stayed powered, and the second row had a 120-volt outlet for larger items.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered basic safety features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 version received four out of five stars overall. The IIHS rated the headlights as "Good" but had not evaluated other aspects for 2025.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional support, although it was sometimes intrusive. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and hands-free driving was available via subscription. The NHTSA had not rated the 550h+, but other TX models received five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test and "Good" for other areas.