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# SUV Comparison: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
PHEV
Can you be happy in a three-row SUV with a smaller footprint? Here's
what we found
Published May 08, 2024 • Last updated May 08, 2024 • 11 minute read
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2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Photo by
Jonathan Yarkony
## Article content
For cash-strapped families, the idea of a smaller three-row SUV can be
intriguing. Smaller vehicles cost less up front, are a friendlier size
for urban living, and are more fuel-efficient than their larger
counterparts. Plus, as the cost of new vehicles continues to climb,
every bit of saving helps. But exactly how much are you trading in by
choosing a smaller vehicle? We decided to find out by comparing two of
the smallest and most fuel-efficient SUVs you can currently buy with
three rows.
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## 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
Our first contender is the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen
Tiguan is a compact SUV with an available third row. This is a
relatively common option in Europe, but it's a rarity in North
America. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan starts in Canada at $35,495, not
including the $2,100 destination charge or dealer fees. The third row
is an $800 option and is available on any trim. Our test unit is in
the top Highline trim, which also includes the R-Line sporty
appearance package. Its as-tested price, including the $800 charge for
the third row, $295 for the Kings Red exterior paint, and freight and
PDI and other dealer fees, comes to $49,323. That's lower than where
most three-row SUVs start.
One important detail about the 2024 Tiguan: this is the final model
year of the current generation. A redesigned Tiguan has been announced
for Europe beginning with the 2025 model year, and we're expecting
North American details to be released shortly.
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Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image
1. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
2. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
3. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
4. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
5. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
6. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
7. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
8. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
9. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
10. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
11. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
12. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
13. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
14. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
15. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
16. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
17. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
18. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
19. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
20. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
21. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
22. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan HighlinePhoto by Jonathan Yarkony
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## 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
At the other side of the ring, we have the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander.
This is also technically a compact SUV. It's based on the same
platform as the Nissan Rogue thanks to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi
Alliance that was formed back in 2016. However, the Outlander is 62 mm
longer and 22 mm wider than the Rogue, which gives it a more spacious
interior feel. Our test unit is a plug-in hybrid, which appears
unbalanced next to the Tiguan on first glance but is actually quite
compelling as you dig into the details.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $48,198, not including a
$1,950 delivery charge. Our as-tested price for this top-trim GT-
Premium unit rings up at $61,048 once we factor for the $900 two-tone
paint job and freight and PDI. However, every Canadian across the
country can knock $5,000 off that price thanks to the federal
government's iZEV electric vehicle purchase incentive. Plus, buyers in
Quebec (for now), B.C., Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and all four
Atlantic provinces receive an additional rebate that stacks on top of
that. Buyers in these jurisdictions would therefore pay close to or
possibly less for this 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV than they would
for the Tiguan outlined above.
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Toggle full screen modePrevious Gallery Image
1. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
2. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
3. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
4. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
5. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
6. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
7. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
8. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
9. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarkon
10. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
11. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV third rowPhoto by Clayton Seams
12. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
13. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
14. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
15. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
16. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
17. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
18. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
19. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
20. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
21. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
22. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-PremiumPhoto by Jonathan Yarko
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## What is the smallest SUV with a third-row seat?
As of 2024, the smallest SUV available with a third row in North
America is the Mitsubishi Outlander. This is based purely on its
length of 4,710 mm, which is 18 mm shorter than the next-largest
three-row SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan. However, the Outlander is 45 mm
wider than the Tiguan at 2,144 mm (including the side mirrors), which
makes it feel more spacious inside.
## Tiguan vs Outlander: Interior space and practicality
Off the top, we need to point out that Volkswagen doesn't publish
official dimension figures for the Tiguan's three-row configuration.
We're therefore leaning on figures we've gathered from other reputable
sources. Let's go row by row and analyze where the Tiguan and
Outlander land relative to one another, and then we'll consider those
figures next to Volkswagen's largest three-row SUV, the Atlas.
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In the first row, the Outlander is more spacious with measurements of
1,058 millimetres for legroom, 985 mm for headroom (when fitted with
the sunroof, as our tester is), 1,470 mm for shoulder width, and 1,370
mm for hip width. That's as opposed to the Tiguan's 1,022 mm, 970 mm,
1,448 mm, and 1,385 mm respectively. Compare that to the Atlas's
1,055/1,049/1,563/1,484 mm, and the most important dimension you're
giving up with the Outlander is height. For shorter drivers, this
won't be a concern. If you're taller, the difference warrants a test
drive.
Moving to the second row, the Tiguan gains an advantage. Here, its
measurements are 983/959/1,417/1,365 mm, versus 968/951/1,420/1,354 in
the Outlander. Headroom and overall width are the biggest gains made
in the Atlas with measurements of 955/1,027/1,537/1,488 mm. If you'll
mostly be moving children or smaller adults in the second row, those
passengers may not really need any additional space.
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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs VW Tiguan Cargo comparison Photo by
Jonathan Yarkony
Unsurprisingly, the third row is where things fall apart for the two
smaller SUVs. The Outlander's official measurements here are
486/841/1,300/1,070 mm, which are pretty dismal on paper. The
situation in the Tiguan isn't a lot better with unofficial figures of
709/859/1,214 mm. We weren't able to find a hip room measurement.
(Where is that extra leg room coming from? We'll explain that in a
minute.) Compare that to the Atlas's 856/973/1,394 mm, and it's clear
a larger SUV is the way to go for consistent third-row use.
But what if you just need the third row very occasionally, like when
the grandkids come to visit? It's a tight squeeze, but we think its
doable. Our preteen and young teen kids didn't find the third row very
livable, with a notable complaint about the Tiguan's obtrusive
headrests, but younger kids of booster seat age would manage for
shorter trips. Our only hesitation is how close those third-row seats
get to the liftgate and rear glass. We're not sure we'd want our most
precious cargo back there in the event of a rear-ending.
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Speaking of cargo, this is what the Tiguan gives up to gain third-row
legroom. Behind the third row seats you'll find 339 litres of room,
while the Outlander provides 362 litres thanks in part to an extra
drop in the load floor. Drop those third row seats, though, and the
Tiguan is cavernous by comparison, offering 1,065 litres to the
Outlander's 872 litres. The Tiguan has 2,078 litres of room behind the
first row, and the Outlander tops out at 1,832 litres. Purely on
interior space, it's clear the Tiguan is the better choice, especially
if the third row will be tucked away most of the time.
## Tiguan vs Outlander: Power and driving impressions
While we're scrutinizing third-row space most closely here, it's
important we look at the bigger picture in these vehicles to fully
understand what each can offer.
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Under the hood of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, you'll find a 2.0-litre
turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-
ft of torque. Combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and
standard 4Motion all-wheel drive, this is a relatively traditional
powertrain. The amount of power provided is fine for the size of the
vehicle, but we did find the Tiguan tends to surge from a stop and
lurches somewhat between shifts, so it doesn't offer the smoothest
drive feel. It's also more stiffly sprung, so it has a sportier feel
if that's what you're looking for in your compact SUV.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Highline Photo by Jonathan Yarkony
Contrast that with the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander, which has two
available powertrains. The gas-powered version comes with a 2.5-litre
four-cylinder engine making 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. We haven't
tested this version, but we expect it would feel sluggish relative to
the Tiguan. Instead, we tested the plug-in hybrid version, which
matches a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric
motors and a 20 kWh battery. This creates a total system output of 248
hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, which is plenty to give this SUV an
energetic drive feel. The single-speed transmission has a natural
sensation, and Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel drive
system is one of the best on the market. (You can learn more about
that here.) The battery and electric motors work well to creep up to
speed smoothly and the engine slips into action without the lurching
of some hybrids, so the power delivery is very well executed in the
Outlander PHEV.
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The principal drawback on the Outlander PHEV is its drive character.
Managing Editor Jonathan Yarkony found it suited the Outlander's
mission: "The Mitsubishi's driving character is fully committed to
comfort, with soft, pillowy damping that soak up potholes, rough
pavement and even speed bumps. The tradeoff is distinct body roll in
corner and under braking, but I was more than happy with its comfort-
first setup." The battery adds a lot of weight, and it also acts as a
pivot point for distributing weight across the bottom of the vehicle.
As a result, the Outlander PHEV exhibits a lot of body roll Yarkony
mentions and tends to rock forward and back when it comes to a stop.
Still, we consider that to be a fair trade for the advantages we'll
outline next.
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## Tiguan vs Outlander: Fuel efficiency
The Volkswagen Tiguan comes with a single powertrain option, so its
fuel efficiency is easy to report: it's expected to consume 10.9
litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 8.1 on the highway, and 9.7
combined in Highline R-Line trim. Opt for a version without the R-Line
packaging, and you'll save on fuel slightly with figures of
10.6/8.0/9.4 L/100 km. These figures are on the higher side within the
compact SUV segment. They're certainly a lot better than the average
three-row SUV, though, even after accounting for the added weight of a
fully loaded vehicle.
If you opt for a gas-only Mitsubishi Outlander, expect to burn 9.7
L/100 km city/7.9 highway/8.9 combined. Again, those are much better
figures than a typical three-row SUV, but you'd also see higher real-
world figures when using the Outlander as such.
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2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-Premium Photo by Jonathan Yarkony
And then we come to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. If you start with a
full charge, you can benefit from 61 kilometres of electric driving
range and average 3.6 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. You have
three options for keeping the battery charged: 16 hours with a
standard household plug, 6.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, or using a
CHAdeMO fast charger to recover the vehicle's range in 38 minutes.
When the battery is drained and you're running in hybrid mode, you'll
average 9.2/8.7/9.0 L/100 km.
What we don't yet know is whether the 2025 Tiguan will come to North
America in the plug-in hybrid format that's already been announced for
Europe and whether that configuration would offer a third row here. If
it does, it could change this conversation considerably. But as of
today, the Outlander PHEV offers significant advantages if you plan to
keep the battery charged, giving it a clear edge in this comparison.
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## Tiguan vs Outlander: Feature comparison
A look at standard equipment shows the Tiguan to be somewhat sparsely
featured in its base configuration. It does come with 17-inch alloy
wheels, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated
exterior mirrors, and a six-speaker audio system. However, the
standard screens are small at 6.5 inches for the infotainment system
and 8 inches for the digital instrument cluster. Safety features are
limited to forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning,
and rear cross-traffic alert.
On the base Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, there's no heated steering
wheel. But it starts at 18-inch wheels and a larger 8-inch
infotainment screen, plus it has a standard 12.3-inch digital
instrument cluster. On top of the safety features included on the
Tiguan, the Outlander adds lane departure warning, rear automatic
emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention alert,
and automatic high beams.
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As tested, the VW Tiguan Highline R-Line adds 20-inch wheels, heated
and ventilated front seats with eight-way power adjustment, heated
outboard second-row seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a
surround-view camera, wireless phone charging, and a Fender nine-
speaker audio system. The infotainment screen upgrades to 8 inches and
has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and on-board navigation.
However, the screen still feels small for the size of the vehicle, and
it's set low enough on the dashboard that you'll need to take your
eyes well off the road to view it.
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On the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT-Premium, there's no ventilated
seat option, but the driver does get a light massaging function. The
passenger seat only adjusts four ways as opposed to the Tiguan's
eight, but both front seats in the Outlander receive position memory.
There's leather here, but the Tiguan's feels nicer. The audio system
is Bose, and the infotainment screen is slightly larger at 9 inches.
There's also a 10.8-inch head-up display in the Outlander, a feature
that's absent in the Tiguan.
We also can't ignore that the Outlander comes with a 10-year,
160,000-kilometre powertrain warranty, including electric components.
That contrast with the Tiguan's 5-year, 100,000-kilometre powertrain
warranty, plus the Outlander's stronger all-around feature set, makes
the Outlander a great value.
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## Tiguan vs Outlander: Styling notes
Amid all this talk of practicality, looks still do matter. We'll hand
it to the Outlander: the current generation is a darn sight easier on
the eyes than the previous generation was. However, the interior of
the GT-Premium looks like it's trying a little too hard, with vast
swaths of quilted leather attempting to distract from cheap plastic
panels. Plus, black is the only interior colour option, and while the
large sunroof and grey headliner do offset this somewhat, it still
comes across as very dark.
The Tiguan, on the other hand, offers a classic—if overly
safe—exterior design. The interior can be equipped in three
colourways, and the Storm Grey in our test unit is offset with
attractive faux wood inserts that add visual interest. The materials
feel more upscale and refined. If these are factors that are important
to you, the Tiguan is more likely to appeal to your sensibilities.
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## Tiguan vs Outlander: The verdict
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Photo by
Jonathan Yarkony
As we see it, there are two key reasons why someone might consider
buying a smaller three-row SUV.
One is the up-front cost. The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan starts at $35,495
before fees, and the $48,198 price on the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
PHEV could end up much lower after rebates depending on where you
live. So, if you're working with a $40,000-ish budget, is this a good
solution?
In this scenario, our answer is none of the above. Take that
$40,000-ish, get over your dislike of minivans, and buy a Kia Carnival
instead. You'll have much more space to work with, and you and your
passengers will be much happier.
The other reason to choose a smaller three-row SUV is a desire for an
overall smaller vehicle footprint, knowing the rear seats will see
only very occasional use. This might include situations like weekends
with the grandkids or occasional carpooling for kids' sports teams.
For these types of buyers, we recommend choosing the Mitsubishi
Outlander PHEV. You won't want to live with its third row every day,
but it will work once in a while in a pinch, and you'll have a well-
equipped and very efficient vehicle to get you through life the rest
of the time.
The Tiguan might be able to mount a stronger challenge when its new
generation arrives next year. But until then, the Mitsubishi Outlander
is a strong choice and would work well for many Canadian families.
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## Stephanie Wallcraft
Stephanie Wallcraft is a full-time professional freelance writer and
content creator based in Toronto. Her areas of automotive expertise
include new vehicle reviews, consumer information and purchasing
advice, family-friendly transportation, motorsport, and road trip
travel. Stephanie has been a contributor to Driving.ca since 2019.
### Summary
\- A 10-year freelance automotive writing career with bylines in major
Canadian and U.S.-based publications - Expertise in new vehicle
reviews, consumer information and purchasing advice, family-friendly
transportation, motorsport, and road trip travel - Served for six
years on the Board of Directors for the Automobile Journalists
Association of Canada, including as the first woman to hold the role
of President (2019-2022)
### Education
Stephanie graduated from high school at Turner Fenton Campus in
Brampton, and from Seneca College with a diploma in Radio and
Television Broadcasting. The latter included focused training in
broadcast journalism. But the education that led her into a career in
automotive journalism started as a young girl in the grandstands of
the Honda Indy Toronto and continued in the press rooms of the NTT
IndyCar Series and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
### Experience
When deciding to attend Seneca College for training in broadcasting,
Stephanie had a singular goal: to graduate and get a job as a
motorsport pit reporter. What she failed to calculate into her plans
was that there was precisely one pit reporting job in all of Canada at
the time, and it was a part-time gig at best. Upon realizing that
ambition wasn't in the cards, she spent roughly 15 years working
traditional office jobs, 12 of which were with major law firms in
downtown Toronto. This valuable period of her career taught her the
importance of precision in the written word and diplomacy in the
workplace. Her passion for fast machines on four wheels never wavered,
and over time she began writing and podcasting on the side for a
website she co-owned focused on IndyCar racing. She became a regular
on the circuit, self-funding her way to eight to ten races per year
and delivering to-the-minute coverage on her website as well as the
platform formerly known as Twitter. This is how she captured the
attention of Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame inductee Norris
McDonald, who offered her an opportunity to place her byline in one of
Canada's premier automotive newspaper sections. She left her office
job six months later and hasn't looked back. In addition to
Driving.ca, Stephanie's automotive-related work has appeared in the
Wheels section of the Toronto Star, CarGurus Canada, AutoTrader.ca,
lifestyle magazines such as NUVO, MONTECRISTO, SHARP, and Corporate
Knights, industry publications including Supply Professional magazine
and Automotive News Canada, and elsewhere. Stephanie also runs the
automotive-focused YouTube channel Modern Motoring with her partner,
Jay Kana, and owns and operates RoadTripper.ca, a website dedicated to
Canadian road trip travel. On top of her automotive work, she
regularly produces content relating to food and drink-related topics.
### Major awards won by the author
Runner-up: AJAC 2022 Jaguar Land Rover Canada Journalist of the Year
Winner: AJAC 2022 Vinfast Canada Adventure and Travel Journalism Award
Winner: AJAC 2022 Volvo Car Canada Road Safety Journalism Award
Runner-up: AJAC 2022 Kal Tire Business Journalism Award Runner-up:
AJAC 2021 Adventure and Travel Journalism Award Winner: AJAC 2020
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Julie Wilkinson Motorsport Journalism
Award Winner: AJAC 2019 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park Julie Wilkinson
Motorsport Journalism Award Winner: AJAC 2017 Nissan Canada
Environmental Journalism Award Winner: AJAC 2017 CAA Road Safety
Journalism Award Winner: AJAC 2015 Bridgestone Canada Feature Writing
Award
### Contact info
Email: stephaniewallcraft@gmail.com LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniewallcraft
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