Compare the2026 Acura MDXVS 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Acura MDX achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mitsubishi Outlander has not been tested.

The Acura MDX’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mitsubishi Outlander does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the MDX and the Outlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the MDX is safer than the Outlander:

	MDX	Outlander
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Acura MDX is safer than the Outlander:

	MDX	Outlander
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	83	171
Neck Tension	134 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Torso Max Deflection	1.18 in	1.46 in
Torso Deflection Rate	8 MPH	8 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	1071 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	89 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	602 lbs.	647 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the MDX is 2.8% to 4.7% less likely to roll over than the Outlander.

The Acura MDX achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Outlander is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The MDX’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Acura vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. With 24 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Acura higher than Mitsubishi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Acura vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi With 7 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Acura higher than Mitsubishi.

Engine

The MDX’s standard 3.5 SOHC V6 produces 116 more horsepower (290 vs. 174) and 61 lbs.-ft. more torque (267 vs. 206) than the Outlander’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The MDX Type S’ standard 3.0 turbo V6 produces 181 more horsepower (355 vs. 174) and 148 lbs.-ft. more torque (354 vs. 206) than the Outlander’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the MDX’s fuel efficiency. The Outlander doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The MDX has 4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (18.5 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the MDX Type S’ brake rotors are larger than those on the Outlander:

	MDX Type S	Outlander
Front Rotors	14.3 inches	13.8 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the MDX has larger standard tires than the Outlander (255/55R19 vs. 235/60R18). The MDX Type S’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Outlander (275/40R21 vs. 255/45R20).

The MDX’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander ES/Trail’s standard 60 series tires. The MDX Type S’ tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Outlander SE/SEL’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the MDX has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Outlander ES/Trail. The MDX Type S’ 21-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Outlander SE/SEL.

Having a flat tire is dangerous, inconvenient and expensive. The self-sealing tires available on the MDX can automatically seal most punctures up to 3/16 of an inch, effectively preventing most flat tires. The Outlander doesn’t offer self-sealing tires.

The MDX SH-AWD has a standard space-saver spare (not available on FWD/Type S) so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The MDX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Outlander’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The MDX Type S has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The MDX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Outlander doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The MDX has variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Outlander doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the MDX’s wheelbase is 7.3 inches longer than on the Outlander (113.8 inches vs. 106.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the MDX is 5 inches wider in the front and 4.6 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander.

For greater off-road capability the MDX Type S has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander SE/SEL (9.4 vs. 8.4 inches), allowing the MDX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The MDX uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Outlander doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The MDX has 13.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander (139.1 vs. 125.5).

The MDX has 5.3 inches more front hip room, 4 inches more front shoulder room, 4.5 inches more rear hip room, 4.4 inches more rear shoulder room, 1.7 inches more third row headroom, 10.4 inches more third row legroom and 4 inches more third row shoulder room than the Outlander.

Cargo Capacity

The MDX’s cargo area provides more volume than the Outlander.

	MDX	Outlander
Behind Third Seat	18.1 cubic feet	10.9 cubic feet
Third Seat Folded	48.4 cubic feet	30.6 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	95 cubic feet	64.3 cubic feet

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the MDX. The Outlander doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The MDX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Outlander’s (3500 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Outlander is only 2000 pounds. The MDX SH-AWD offers up to a 5000 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The MDX uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Outlander uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Acura service is better than Mitsubishi. J.D. Power ranks Acura 6th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 20% lower rating, Mitsubishi is ranked 19th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Outlander SEL, the MDX offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The MDX’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the MDX the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The MDX’s standard Keyless Access System allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the Outlander only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle. Pushbutton Start is not available on the Outlander SE/SEL/Trail. The MDX’s optional Keyless Access System also allows you to unlock the doors from either rear door handle. The Outlander SE/SEL/Trail’s available FAST-Key doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The MDX’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Outlander’s power window, power lock and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The MDX’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mitsubishi only offers heated mirrors on the Outlander SE/SEL/Trail.

The MDX’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Outlander has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The MDX Advance/Type S has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Outlander.

The Acura MDX has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the Outlander SE/SEL.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Acura MDX has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Outlander SE/SEL/Trail offers wireless charging.

The MDX offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Outlander doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Acura MDX and the Mitsubishi Outlander, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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