Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2023 Vs Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER 2023

Published March 2025

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2023 Vs Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER 2023 Close

A Comprehensive Cars Comparison by Cars4us

As electrification sweeps through the automotive world, plug-in hybrids and range-extending electric vehicles offer a compelling balance between traditional petrol power and modern electric mobility. Two standout models in this segment are the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the 2023 Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER, both of which appeal to environmentally conscious buyers who seek a versatile and tech-forward SUV. Here, we compare these two electrified SUVs across multiple categories to determine which one reigns supreme.

Powertrain & Performance

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

9/10

Engine: 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with dual electric motors (one on each axle).
Battery: 20 kWh battery pack.
Electric Range: Up to 84 km (WLTP) in full EV mode.
Total Power: 185 kW combined.
Drivetrain: Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.
Charging: Supports AC charging and can be fully recharged in about 7 hours using a standard outlet or 25 minutes on a DC fast charger (up to 80%).

Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER

8.5/10

Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that acts as a generator for the battery-powered electric motors.
Battery: Smaller battery than a traditional hybrid; electric motors are the primary propulsion system.
Electric Range: Not a plug-in, so it doesn’t run solely on electric power for long distances.
Total Power: 157 kW (claimed).
Drivetrain: Available with e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system.
Charging: No plug-in capability; petrol engine continuously charges the battery as needed.

Fuel Economy

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

9/10

Fuel Consumption: 1.5 L/100 km (combined) when driven on a mix of petrol and electric power.
Real-world Economy: In typical urban commutes with regular charging, drivers may rarely use the petrol engine, significantly lowering fuel costs.

Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER

8.5/10

Fuel Consumption: Around 6.1 L/100 km.
Real-world Economy: Due to its smaller battery and constant use of the petrol engine, it doesn’t match the Outlander’s electric efficiency but still offers commendable fuel economy compared to traditional petrol SUVs.

Interior & Technology

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

8.5/10

Interior Layout: Premium materials, spacious cabin, and a more minimalist design compared to previous models.
Technology: Includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also available.
Seating: Available in five or seven-seat configurations.
Cargo Space: 463 litres with the third row folded, slightly reduced due to the battery placement.

Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER

9/10

Interior Layout: The X-TRAIL focuses on comfort and functionality with a high-quality finish.
Technology: Features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto (both wireless). The instrument cluster is also a 12.3-inch display.
Seating: Available in five or seven-seat configurations.
Cargo Space: 585 litres with the third row folded, which is better than the Outlander due to the absence of a large battery.

Ride & Handling

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

9/10

Suspension: Multi-link rear suspension provides a smooth and composed ride, with added weight from the battery improving stability.
Driving Dynamics: The electric motor’s instant torque makes acceleration quick and responsive, and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system enhances grip in all conditions.
Braking: Regenerative braking captures energy to recharge the battery, though the transition from regenerative to mechanical braking could feel jerky at times.

Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER

8.5/10

Suspension: A more traditional setup with softer damping, offering comfort for daily driving.
Driving Dynamics: Thanks to the e-4ORCE system, the X-TRAIL delivers impressive traction and handling in slippery conditions. The electric motor ensures smooth power delivery, though it lacks the punch of a fully electric motor at higher speeds.
Braking: Braking is smooth with regenerative energy recovery, and the transition between electric and mechanical braking is nearly imperceptible.

Safety Features

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

9/10

Forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring are standard. The Outlander also boasts Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT, a semi-autonomous driving feature for highway cruising.

Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER

9/10

Standard features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving capabilities. ProPILOT offers hands-on driver assistance for single-lane highway driving.

Pricing & Value

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

8.5/10

Starting Price: AUD $54,490 for the base ES PHEV model, going up to around AUD $69,990 for the top-spec Exceed Tourer.
Incentives: Eligible for various state and federal government incentives for plug-in hybrids, reducing the effective cost.
Warranty: 5 years/100,000 km for the vehicle, 8 years/160,000 km for the battery.

Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER

8.5/10

Starting Price: AUD $54,190 for the base Ti e-POWER, with the top Ti-L variant around AUD $57,190.
Incentives: As it’s not a plug-in, it doesn’t qualify for EV incentives, though it still offers better fuel economy than pure ICE vehicles.
Warranty: 5 years/unlimited km, with 8 years/160,000 km warranty on the e-POWER battery.

Our Verdict

Mitsubishi Outlander 8.8/10

Nissan X-TRAIL 8.7/10

Both the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER offer compelling features in the electrified SUV market, but they cater to slightly different audiences. The Outlander PHEV is the better choice for those seeking significant electric range and the flexibility of plug-in hybrid technology, particularly for urban driving and eco-conscious users. The Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER, on the other hand, appeals to drivers who want the feel of an electric car but without the hassle of plugging in, making it more suited for long-distance driving with greater cargo capacity.
Ultimately, your decision will come down to whether you prioritise the extended EV range of the Outlander PHEV or the simplicity and ease of the X-TRAIL e-POWER’s range-extending technology.