Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Volkswagen Tiguan
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Mitsubishi Outlander and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
When we compare the Mitsubishi Outlander's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mitsubishi Outlander's and the Volkswagen Tiguan's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander ranges from $29,711 to $45,035 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is priced between $28,038 to $42,186. For a new model, the Mitsubishi Outlander's price is between $30,108 and $44,994, with the Volkswagen Tiguan priced between $30,884 and $42,730.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mitsubishi Outlander loses 51.1 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Tiguan loses 47.8 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Tiguan retains 3.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 7.9 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Tiguan's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the Mitsubishi Outlander being ranked 13 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Volkswagen Tiguan being ranked 12 out of 19. Out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 20 and the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 15. The Mitsubishi Outlander is also ranked 37 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked 30 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 7.7 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Tiguan the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Mitsubishi Outlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Tiguan base engine makes 201 horsepower. The Outlander is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 450 miles. The Tiguan is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 493 miles. This gives the Volkswagen Tiguan the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mitsubishi Outlander. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Volkswagen Tiguan has the advantage in the areas of rear head room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Tiguan has higher safety ratings than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with an average rating of 4.45 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.26 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30108 - 44994
Starting MSRP:
29645
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30884 - 42730
Starting MSRP:
30245
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
36583
Price Range:
29711 - 45035
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
35325
Price Range:
28038 - 42186
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14582
Depreciation %:
0.48211785
Resale Value $:
15663
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.2 / 10
Volkswagen Tiguan Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.4 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mitsubishi Outlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.176
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Tiguan
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.02
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0035854716892287
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.0725529922117
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 54Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 54Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 33Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 66Ranking
53 out of / 66Ranking
57 out of / 66Volkswagen Tiguan Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 33Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 54Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 54Ranking
28 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 33Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
42 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Ranking
57 out of / 66Ranking
64 out of / 66Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle with a reputation for engaging driving dynamics and upscale interior materials. The Tiguan has become VW’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. and is currently in its second generation, with new models averaging $30,442 and 3-year-old models averaging $22,319.
Pros and Cons
- Seven passenger capacity
- Low price point
- Plug-in hybrid availability
- Unrefined, underpowered driving dynamics
- Low-grade interior materials until 2022 model
Pros and Cons
- New generation is roomier and more fuel efficient
- Optional three-row seating is occasionally useful
- Driving dynamics are engaging
- Acceleration not as strong as some competitors
- Fuel efficiency could be better
- First-generation’s cargo space was limited
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels
ES, SE, SEL, SEL Platinum Edition, Trail Edition
Volkswagen Tiguan Trim Levels
S, S 4Motion, SE, SE 4Motion, SE R-Line Black, SE R-Line Black 4Motion, SEL R-Line 4Motion
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.26 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.45 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
201 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
207 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.056 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
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):
24 / 31 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
348 / 450 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
377 / 493 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
26.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
58.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
130.3 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3563 lbs
Width:
84.7 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Diamond / Labrador Black Pearl
Red
Red Diamond
Silver
Alloy Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Red
Not available
Silver
Pyrite Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Grigio Gray/Titan Black
