Mitsubishi Outlander vs Toyota bZ

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 distinctive front design, characterized by a thin upper eyebrow functioning as a daytime running light and a large, square headlight beneath, was a standout feature. Despite subtle changes to the grille and diffuser, the Outlander retained its unique, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the SEL trim boasted quilted leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, with physical controls for the HVAC system and Yamaha speaker faces inspired by traditional Japanese patterns. However, some plastic elements attempted to mimic high-end materials, a common trait in mid-tier crossovers.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was offered in XLE and Limited trims, with options for single-motor FWD or dual-motor AWD and two battery sizes. The larger battery provided more power, performance, and range, with prices ranging from $36,495 to $46,895. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus. The restyled bZ looked better with body-color trim, and the interior featured a cleaner dashboard and center console, with fabric seats in an upscale pattern. The 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, and the digital driver display, though informative, was criticized for its placement and readability.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured an AWD system developed from rally racing experience, providing stability on curvy roads. Its suspension was retuned for 2025, offering more comfort and less body roll, with modes for various driving conditions. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, comparable to competitors like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V. However, the Outlander's acceleration was sluggish, and the CVT exhibited a droney, rubber-band feeling. The plug-in hybrid version offered 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel rating of 64 MPGe and 38 miles of all-electric range.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, in its XLE FWD configuration, featured a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery pack, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models produced 338 hp, with varying ranges and efficiency ratings. The bZ's recharging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, but the bZ lacked one-pedal driving capability. It was a comfortable cruiser but struggled with mid-range passing power and handling on winding roads.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander included a third row of seating, suitable only for small children due to its limited 18.7 inches of legroom. With the third row in place, cargo space was less than 11 cubic feet, but folding it down increased storage to 30 cubic feet. The driver's seat featured easy-to-reach physical controls for the HVAC system, and 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 smaller bottles during braking.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance and easy entry and exit. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment in XLE and Limited trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was tight. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet, with an underfloor storage well, and expanded to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a new Yamaha premium sound system with eight speakers, or 12 in upper trims, offering customizable sound modes. The system adjusted volume based on speed, rain noise, and HVAC sounds. The Outlander included a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a physical volume knob, and a button for the camera system. Upper trims offered a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect and Remote Services were available, with features like remote start and live traffic information.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data panels. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. Drive Connect powered the native navigation system and Intelligent Assistant, which responded well to voice commands.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander did not offer a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. Base features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear emergency braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure prevention, and traffic sign recognition. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars in frontal crashes and five stars in side crashes. The IIHS rated the headlights as "Good" but had not rated other aspects.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) as standard, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs. Other standard features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as "Good," but the headlights received a "Poor" rating, and frontal-impact crash-tests earned "Acceptable" ratings.