Ford Explorer Vs Outlander: A Battle Of Power, Efficiency, And Luxury

In the realm of midsize SUVs, two contenders stand tall: the Ford Explorer and the Mitsubishi Outlander. Both vehicles offer a blend of rugged capability, spacious interiors, and advanced technologies. But which one truly reigns supreme? This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of each SUV, comparing their performance, features, comfort, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Performance: Power and Capability Under the Hood

1. Engine Options and Power:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a standard 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, a 3.0L EcoBoost V6, and a powerful 3.3L Hybrid V6.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander comes with a sole 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, available in both gasoline and plug-in hybrid configurations.

2. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Ford Explorer: With its robust engines, the Explorer boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,600 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,800 lbs.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers a towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs and a payload capacity of up to 1,653 lbs.

3. Fuel Efficiency:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer delivers an EPA-estimated 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway with the standard 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The Hybrid model offers an impressive 27 MPG city and 29 MPG highway.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander returns an EPA-estimated 24 MPG city and 30 MPG highway with the gasoline engine. The plug-in hybrid version delivers an all-electric range of 24 miles and an EPA-estimated 74 MPG combined.

Features: Technology and Convenience at Your Fingertips

1. Infotainment and Connectivity:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer features Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers the Mitsubishi Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, and a Rockford Fosgate audio system.

2. Driver Assistance Technologies:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander features the Mitsubishi Safety Shield 360, which includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

3. Comfort and Convenience Features:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander provides heated front seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control, a power liftgate, and a heated steering wheel.

Comfort: Spaciousness, Comfort, and Versatility

1. Seating and Cargo Space:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers seating for up to 7 or 8 passengers, depending on the configuration, and a generous cargo capacity of up to 87.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander seats up to 7 passengers and provides a cargo volume of up to 66.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

2. Interior Comfort and Quality:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with high-quality materials and comfortable seating.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers a comfortable interior with supportive seats and a user-friendly layout, although some materials may feel less refined.

3. Ride Quality and Handling:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer delivers a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads, and handles confidently for its size.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander provides a comfortable ride, but its handling may feel less precise compared to the Explorer.

Safety: Protecting You and Your Loved Ones

1. Crash Test Ratings:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander has also received a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

2. Standard Safety Features:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer comes standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, traction control, stability control, and a rearview camera.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including airbags, traction control, stability control, and a rearview camera.

3. Advanced Safety Technologies:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers advanced safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander provides advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

1. Pricing:

• Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,240 for the base model and can go up to $58,570 for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $26,995 for the base ES trim and ranges up to $40,995 for the top-tier SEL Premium S-AWC model.

2. Warranty Coverage:

• Ford Explorer: The Explorer comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Outlander offers a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

3. Resale Value:

• Ford Explorer: The Ford Explorer typically holds its value well, with an estimated 3-year resale value of around 57%.
• Mitsubishi Outlander: The Mitsubishi Outlander generally has a lower resale value compared to the Explorer, with an estimated 3-year resale value of around 45%.

The Bottom Line: Your Ideal Choice Awaits

The Ford Explorer and Mitsubishi Outlander are both capable and feature-packed midsize SUVs, but each offers a distinct driving experience and value proposition. The Explorer excels in terms of performance, towing capacity, and advanced technology, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile SUV. The Outlander stands out with its fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid option, impressive warranty coverage, and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?

• The Ford Explorer offers more off-road capability with available all-wheel drive and terrain management system.

2. Is the Mitsubishi Outlander available in a 7-seater configuration?

• Yes, the Outlander offers seating for up to 7 passengers in its higher trim levels.

3. Does the Ford Explorer come with a hybrid engine option?

• Yes, the Explorer offers a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.3L V6 engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency.

4. Which SUV has a better infotainment system?

• The Ford Explorer’s SYNC 3 system is generally considered to be more user-friendly and feature-rich compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander’s Mitsubishi Connect system.

5. Does the Outlander offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

• Yes, the Mitsubishi Outlander supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.

6. Which SUV has more cargo space?

• The Ford Explorer offers more cargo capacity than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with up to 87.8 cubic feet of space behind the first row of seats.

7. Is the Ford Explorer available in a rear-wheel-drive configuration?

• No, the Ford Explorer is only available with all-wheel drive, providing improved traction and stability in various driving conditions.

8. Does the Mitsubishi Outlander come with a panoramic sunroof?

• No, the Mitsubishi Outlander does not offer a panoramic sunroof as an option.

9. Which SUV has a longer warranty coverage?

• The Mitsubishi Outlander offers a longer warranty coverage with its 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

10. Is the Ford Explorer more fuel-efficient than the Mitsubishi Outlander?

• The Mitsubishi Outlander, especially the plug-in hybrid variant, offers better fuel efficiency compared to the Ford Explorer.