PHEV vs. HEV siblings: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or Nissan X-Trail e-Power?
2026 has been a very busy year for the compact SUV segment with multiple models receiving either small or big updates, or a completely new generation. Two of the most notable introductions are that of the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, and more recently, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Both models made their local comeback after a few years of absence from the local market, and making it more interesting is the fact that the two models are built through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, making them share similar architecture. In fact, they share almost the same silhouette.
But more than being identical underneath, there’s actually a lot to set the two models apart from each other. For starters, one is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), while the other is a more traditional hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). And while we haven’t extensively driven both yet, we’ve compiled different specs and features of both to see which is potentially the better option of the two.
Dimensions
Given that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Nissan X-Trail e-Power are built on the same platform, it’s no surprise that they are very similar in terms of size. Any differences can be owed to design differences which are expected. Interestingly, the Mitsubishi Outlander rides on a very slight 1mm shorter wheelbase compared to the Nissan it’s based on.
While seven-seater variants are available in other markets, both vehicles are exclusively available as five-seaters for the Philippine market. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also rides a bit lower than the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, but has larger wheels.
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Nissan X-Trail e-Power | |
| Wheelbase | 2,704mm | 2,705mm |
| Length | 4,720mm | 4,690mm |
| Width | 1,862mm | 1,840mm |
| Height | 1,751mm | 1,725mm |
| Ground Clearance | 199mm | 204mm |
| Seating Capacity (including driver) | 5 | 5 |
| Tire Size | 255/45 R20 | 235/55 R19 |
Exterior and Interior
The similarities between the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Nissan X-Trail e-Power end in their platforms. While the Mitsubishi Outlander is based on the Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi has given it a completely different appearance, giving it a distinct identity that cannot be mistaken for a Nissan. In fact, their only similarity in the design department are their side profiles.
Meanwhile, their interiors are also completely different from each other. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV provides a somewhat more upmarket vibe with its two-tone light gray and black interior, while the Nissan X-Trail goes for the sporty route with an all-black scheme matched with faux wood accents.
As for exterior and interior equipment, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a bit more than the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, but not significant enough to make you immediately choose one over the other. See for yourself below:
| EXTERIOR | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Nissan X-Trail e-Power |
| Headlights | Automatic Full LED | Automatic Full LED |
| Taillights | Full LED | Full LED |
| Fog Lights | Front LED | – |
| Side Mirrors | Power-Adjust and Auto-Fold, with Reverse Auto-Tilt and Memory Function | Power-Adjust and Auto-Fold, Heated |
| Wheels | 20-inch Alloy | 19-inch Alloy |
| Tires | Bridgestone Alenza | Bridgestone Alenza |
| Rear Spoiler | Integrated | Integrated |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic |
| Roof Rails | With | With |
| Roof | Body-Colored | Body-Colored or Black (Limited Offer only) |
| Tailgate | Power with Hands-Free Function | Power with Hands-Free Function |
| INTERIOR | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Nissan X-Trail e-Power |
| Interior Color | Black and Light Gray | Black |
| Seat Material | Leather | Leather |
| Front Seat Adjustment (Driver and Passenger) | 8-Way Power with Memory Function, Lumbar Adjustment, Heating and Ventilation | 8-Way Power with Lumbar Adjustment, Heating |
| Second Row Seat Adjustment | 60:40 Split Folding and Reclining | 40:20:40 Split Folding and Reclining |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather | Leather |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt and Telescopic | Tilt and Telescopic |
| Rear Window Sunshades | With | With |
Tech and Convenience Features
Both are very similar in terms of tech and convenience features. It is 2026, after all. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Nissan X-Trail e-Power are both equipped with 12.3-inch fully digital instrument clusters that share the same interface, and new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment systems that differ slightly in aspect ratio, but are also similar when it comes to their user interfaces.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV also gets a heads-up display, and an eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system, while the Nissan X-Trail e-Power contends with a regular six-speaker setup. Other equipment are similar, as you can see below:
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Nissan X-Trail e-Power | |
| Push Button Start | With | With |
| Instrument Cluster | 12.3-inch Fully Digital | 12.3-inch Fully Digital |
| Heads-Up Display (HUD) | With | – |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Audio System (Speakers) | 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium | 6 |
| USB Ports | Type-C (4) | Type-C (4) |
| Climate Control | Tri-Zone Automatic | Tri-Zone Automatic |
| Inside Rear-View Mirror | Digital | Digital |
| Wireless Phone Charger | With | With |
Powertrain and Capability
The powertrain is what sets the two vehicles apart from each other the most. The Mitsubishi Outlander is exclusively available in our market as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), while the Nissan X-Trail e-Power is exclusively a hybrid (HEV).
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a larger four-cylinder engine, a larger battery, dual electric motors, and an all-wheel drive drivetrain. It’s also capable of driving on pure electric power for up to 100km. Meanwhile, the Nissan X-Trail gets a smaller three-cylinder engine, turbocharged, and used exclusively to recharge the vehicle’s battery. Both should be able to drive up to 1,000km combined.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s larger engine and battery do contribute to increased weight compared to the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, but only the former can be plugged-in to charge, while the latter can only be replenished with fuel
The former is also equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (Super-AWC) and Active Yaw Control (AYC), along with seven different drive modes. The latter gets three drive modes, and Nissan’s e-Pedal Step which allows for an almost one-pedal driving experience.
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Nissan X-Trail e-Power | |
| Engine | 2.4-liter 4B12 Inline-four Cylinder Engine | 1.5-liter KR15DDTT Inline-three Cylinder Turbo Engine |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Electrification | Plug-In Hybrid | e-Power Hybrid |
| Electric Motors | Dual (Front and Rear) | Single (Front) |
| Battery | 22.7kWh Lithium-Ion | 1.85kWh Lithium-Ion |
| Combined Power | 302 horsepower | 204 horsepower |
| Combined Torque | 450Nm | 330Nm |
| Range | 100km (Electric Only) 1,000km (Combined) | 1,000km (Combined) |
| Charging | 6.6kW Type 2 AC or CHaDeMo | – |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53L | 55L |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Stabilizer Bar | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link with Stabilizer Bar | Multi-Link |
| Gross Vehicle Weight | 2,685kg | 2,200kg |
| Power Steering | Electric | Electric |
Safety
In the safety department, both models are very similar as well. As with the other categories, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV does get a bit more. Both have the usual passive safety equipment and a suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), but the Nissan X-Trail e-Power lacks adaptive cruise control, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets an additional Driver’s Knee Airbag.
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Nissan X-Trail e-Power | |
| Advanced Driver-Assist Systems (ADAS) | Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lead Car Departure Notification, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert | Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Automatic High Beam, Driver Attention Alert |
| Camera | 360-degree Camera | 360-degree Camera |
| Proximity Sensors | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
| Airbags | 7 (including Driver’s Knee) | 6 |
| Anti-Lock Braking System | With | With |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | With | With |
| Stability Control | With | With |
| Traction Control | With | With |
| Hill Descent Control | With | With |
| Hill Start Assist | With | With |
| Emergency Stop Signal | With | With |
| ISOFIX | With (2nd Row) | With (2nd Row) |
| Anti-Theft | Immobilizer and Alarm | Immobilizer and Alarm |
Pricing
While they’re built on the same underpinnings, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Nissan X-Trail e-Power are priced quite far apart. The former is priced at Php 2,848,000 which is on the higher end of the segment, while the latter is priced at Php 2,290,000 which is among the most affordable in the segment.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. Nissan X-Trail e-Power
Choosing which is better between the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Nissan X-Trail e-Power seems to be tough. The easiest answer here would be that those who want the option to charge their vehicle’s batteries themselves may do so with the former, while those who are more traditional and prefer to just get in and drive are better off with the latter.
It should also be noted that the two models seem to cater to different needs and wants, especially with the large price difference between the two, with the Nissan X-Trail e-Power being more affordable, but with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV having more equipment accompanying the Php 558,000 premium. It’s also worth noting that we think that some of the equipment differences may not necessarily provide a competitive advantage, but are still great additions.
At the end of the day, and as we always say, the end decision on which is the better option among different vehicles will depend on your own preferences, and this is very much applicable with these two compact SUVs.
Photos by Julian Panlilio
