Suv Supremacy: Ford Explorer Vs Mitsubishi Outlander – Clash Of The Titans!
What To Know
- The Explorer and Outlander come equipped with an array of features and technologies, enhancing convenience, safety, and connectivity.
- The Explorer boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen, intuitive menus, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Its standard four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, making it a more economical choice for daily commutes and long road trips.
In the realm of midsize SUVs, two titans clash, each vying for dominance: the Ford Explorer and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Both vehicles boast impressive features, ample space, and rugged capabilities. But which one emerges as the victor in this epic showdown? Let’s delve into their strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics to determine the ultimate champion.
Performance and Power: A Tale of Two Engines
The Ford Explorer and Mitsubishi Outlander offer distinct powertrain options, catering to different driving preferences.
Ford Explorer: A Symphony of Power
The Explorer flexes its muscles with a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, unleashing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged powerhouse delivers exhilarating acceleration and confident towing capabilities, making it an ideal companion for adventures and hauling heavy loads.
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Symphony of Efficiency
The Outlander, on the other hand, prioritizes fuel efficiency with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. While not as potent as the Explorer, the Outlander excels in urban commutes and highway cruising, sipping fuel with remarkable frugality.
Space and Comfort: A Roomy Embrace
Both the Explorer and Outlander excel in providing ample space and comfort for passengers and cargo.
Ford Explorer: A Spacious Sanctuary
The Explorer boasts a spacious cabin, offering generous legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for all occupants. The second row features sliding seats, allowing for flexible cargo configurations and easy access to the third row. With up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row, the Explorer swallows luggage, sports equipment, and bulky items with ease.
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Cozy Retreat
The Outlander offers a comfortable cabin, with ample seating space for up to seven passengers. The second row provides ample legroom and headroom, while the third row is best suited for children or occasional use. Behind the third row, the Outlander offers 11.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 34.2 cubic feet with the third row folded and 63.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.
Features and Technology: A Battle of Innovation
The Explorer and Outlander come equipped with an array of features and technologies, enhancing convenience, safety, and connectivity.
Ford Explorer: A Symphony of Connectivity
The Explorer boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen, intuitive menus, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SUV also offers a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Symphony of Safety
The Outlander counters with its own impressive infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen display, smartphone connectivity, and a premium audio system. In terms of safety, the Outlander offers a comprehensive suite of features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
Off-Road Prowess: Conquering the Untamed
Both the Explorer and Outlander possess off-road capabilities, enabling adventures beyond the beaten path.
Ford Explorer: A Trailblazer Extraordinaire
The Explorer’s available four-wheel drive system, coupled with its robust suspension and generous ground clearance, makes it a capable off-roader. The Terrain Management System allows drivers to select different driving modes, optimizing performance for various terrains, from sand and mud to snow and rocks.
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Capable Adventurer
The Outlander’s all-wheel drive system, paired with its advanced traction control system, provides confident handling on slippery or uneven surfaces. The Outlander also offers a hill descent control system, aiding drivers in maintaining control on steep declines.
Fuel Efficiency: A Balancing Act
Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for SUV buyers, especially with rising gas prices.
Ford Explorer: A Thirsty Performer
The Explorer’s powerful engine comes at a cost in terms of fuel economy. With an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for the rear-wheel drive model, the Explorer lags behind its more fuel-efficient rivals.
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Frugal Cruiser
The Outlander shines in the fuel efficiency department. Its standard four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, making it a more economical choice for daily commutes and long road trips.
Pricing and Value: A Matter of Perspective
The Explorer and Outlander offer different value propositions, catering to varying budgets and priorities.
Ford Explorer: A Premium Experience
The Explorer carries a higher price tag than the Outlander, starting at $33,245. However, it offers a more powerful engine, a more spacious cabin, and a more comprehensive suite of features and technologies.
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Budget-Friendly Choice
The Outlander offers a more affordable starting price of $24,995, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Despite its lower price, the Outlander still provides a comfortable cabin, a generous list of features, and capable off-road performance.
The Verdict: A Champion Emerges
After a thorough examination of their performance, space, features, off-road prowess, fuel efficiency, pricing, and value, the Ford Explorer emerges as the victor in this head-to-head comparison. Its potent engine, spacious cabin, advanced technologies, and impressive off-road capabilities make it the ideal choice for buyers seeking a versatile and capable SUV.
While the Mitsubishi Outlander offers commendable fuel efficiency and a more affordable price tag, its less powerful engine, smaller cabin, and limited off-road capabilities make it a better fit for urban commuters and light adventurers.
Final Note: A Symphony of Choices
The Ford Explorer and Mitsubishi Outlander represent two distinct approaches to the midsize SUV segment. The Explorer embodies power, space, and technology, while the Outlander emphasizes fuel efficiency, affordability, and practicality. Ultimately, the choice between these two formidable contenders depends on individual preferences, priorities, and budget.
For those seeking an SUV that excels in performance, versatility, and advanced features, the Ford Explorer stands as the superior choice. Its muscular engine, spacious cabin, and impressive off-road capabilities make it an ideal companion for families, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
On the other hand, buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and affordability may find the Mitsubishi Outlander a more compelling option. Its frugal four-cylinder engine, lower price tag, and generous list of features make it an attractive choice for urban commuters, budget-conscious families, and those seeking a capable SUV without breaking the bank.
Regardless of your choice, both the Ford Explorer and Mitsubishi Outlander offer distinct strengths and appeal to different segments of the SUV market. By carefully considering your needs, priorities, and budget, you can select the SUV that perfectly aligns with your lifestyle and driving preferences.
What You Need to Learn
1. Which SUV offers better towing capacity?
The Ford Explorer boasts a superior towing capacity of up to 5,300 pounds, while the Mitsubishi Outlander‘s towing capacity maxes out at 2,000 pounds.
2. Which SUV has a more spacious third row?
The Ford Explorer offers a more spacious third row with ample legroom and headroom, making it more comfortable for adult passengers.
3. Which SUV offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features?
The Ford Explorer offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, as standard equipment.
4. Which SUV is better suited for off-road adventures?
The Ford Explorer‘s robust four-wheel drive system, coupled with its advanced Terrain Management System and generous ground clearance, makes it the more capable off-roader.
5. Which SUV offers a more affordable price tag?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a more affordable starting price of $24,995, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to the Ford Explorer’s starting price of $33,245.
