Ford Explorer vs. Mitsubishi Outlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Mitsubishi Outlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Explorer and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
When we compare the Ford Explorer's and the Mitsubishi Outlander's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the areas of reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Mitsubishi Outlander's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Mitsubishi Outlander loses 51.1 percent of its value. This means the Mitsubishi Outlander retains 1.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10 while the Mitsubishi Outlander's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Mitsubishi Outlander being ranked 9 out of 34. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 18.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Mitsubishi Outlander the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Mitsubishi Outlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Mitsubishi Outlander base engine makes 181 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mitsubishi Outlander, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.26 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
42737 - 63305
Starting MSRP:
38330
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.2 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mitsubishi Outlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.176
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
The Outlander from Mitsubishi is a compact SUV with seating for up to 7 people. It was redesigned for 2022 with substantial improvements to its interior quality, refinement and overall execution, though engine power remains adequate at best. Previous Outlanders were offered in three basic flavors: the Outlander Sport, a smaller, two-row model, the Outlander, a somewhat larger three-row version, and the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid option. The previous Outlander and Outlander Sport models were introduced in 2011, and the Outlander PHEV was introduced in 2014. New models of the Mitsubishi Outlander cost an average of $32,039 and 3-year-old models average $18,676.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Seven passenger capacity
- Low price point
- Plug-in hybrid availability
- Unrefined, underpowered driving dynamics
- Low-grade interior materials until 2022 model
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Tremor
Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels
ES, SE, SEL, Trail Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.26 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
10.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
64.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3681 lbs
Width:
84.4 inches
Height:
68.7 inches
Length:
185.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Diamond / Labrador Black Pearl
Red
Red Diamond
Silver
Alloy Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
