There's nothing more Kiwiana than a family road trip. Packing the whanau up and heading out on an adventure through our world-class landscapes is one of the many perks of our little slice of heaven. With this in mind, it's no wonder that SUVs have surged in popularity over the last decade. The family SUV market is bustling with options, yet finding that perfect blend of comfort, safety, and performance remains a paramount decision for Kiwi families. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Auckland or embarking on a breathtaking road trip to Queenstown, the importance of selecting the right family SUV cannot be overstated. It's about creating memories, ensuring safety, and enjoying every journey with confidence.
With the family SUV market being so competitive, it can be challenging to figure out which SUV is right for you - and with the recent rise in the popularity of PHEVs, there are now more factors than ever to consider. In this blog, we're going to be comparing 3 of the most popular SUVs - The Next Generation Mitsubishi Outlander, The Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid AWD, and the Kia Sportage X-Line.
Engine and Performance: The Next Generation Mitsubishi Outlander features a 2.5L Inline 4 Petrol engine with variable transmission and a fuel economy of 8.1 L / 100 km. It delivers a max power of 135 @ 6000 and a max torque of 244 @ 3600.
Safety Features: The Outlander features Mitsubishi's full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADSA) including Active Blind Spot Assist, Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning and more.
Comfort and Convenience: The SUV features a Large 9-inch touch display with a smartphone link-display audio navigation system and Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Outlander also features a reverse camera with in-dash display.
Engine and Performance: Toyota's RAV4 Limited Hybrid features a 2.5L petrol engine with electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission, producing a maximum power and torque of 131kW at 5700rpm and 221Nm at 3600-5200rpm
Safety Features: Some of the safety features included in the RAV4 Limited Hybrid are pre-collision systems with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection turn assist, emergency steering assist and more.
Comfort and Convenience: the Toyota RAV4 features Bluetooth for phone integration, hands-free technology, voice recognition, and Bluetooth audio streaming. Also included is USB, wireless charging, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Engine and Performance: The Kia Sportage is powered by a 1.6L Petrol engine with a max power output of 132kW @5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 265 Nm @ 1,500- 4,500.
Safety Features: The Kia Sportage X-line includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, rear parking sensors and a driver inattention warning system.
Comfort and Convenience: The X-Line range includes a 12.3" Colour Touchscreen, and an 8-speaker premium sound system with smartphone integration via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes multiple USB points and a range of effective convenience features.
In the Outlander VRX, every drive turns into an unforgettable journey with its superior entertainment system. Featuring 10 speakers - that’s more than the Toyota RAV4 Limited Hybrid and the Kia Sportage X-Line - your favourite tunes and podcasts come to life, enveloping you in crystal-clear sound. Plus, with built-in apps and advanced connectivity, staying informed and entertained on the go has never been easier!
The Mitsubishi Outlander VRX takes comfort to new heights with features designed to make every trip a pleasure. With three air condition zones, compared to the two in its rivals, everyone can enjoy their ideal temperature settings. The luxurious carbon fibre look of the facia and door trim, coupled with an alloy central console, adds a touch of sophistication to your ride.
Family means having room for everyone, and the Outlander VRX delivers two more seating capacities than the RAV4 Limited Hybrid and the Sportage X-Line. Whether it's a family road trip or a quick trip to the store, the memory adjustments for the passenger’s seat – including lumbar support – ensure comfort for all your loved ones, every time.
The Outlander VRX doesn't just stop at internal luxury; it extends its superiority to its exterior and technical prowess. With 10/15% lower profile tyres and a W tyre rating when compared against the Rav4/Sportage, combined with a 24 Nm torque advantage over the Rav4, this vehicle promises not only a smoother ride but also a more responsive and powerful driving experience. The inclusion of both manual and automatic drive selection and a descent control system further emphasises the Outlander VRX's commitment to delivering a versatile and safe driving experience, suitable for any family adventure.
When looking at the three SUVs compared, you might have noticed one thing that stood out - Toyota's RAV4 Limited is a hybrid vehicle. This means that it can extend its fuel economy through the use of an electric motor. While this is impressive, Mitsubishi has an ace up its sleeve - The Next Generation Outlander PHEV. Boasting all the features that make the Outlander range so popular, it goes one step forward by combining this with Mitsubishi's advanced electric vehicle technology. Utilising a 20kwH Lithium-ion battery, the Outlander PHEV provides fuel-free freedom with an EV range of up to 84km - more than enough to cover the average Kiwi's daily commute. But what about if you're looking to go on a family adventure? No sweat, by running the Outlander PHEV's engine alongside its electric motors, the SUV delivers an impressive combined range of over 800km.
Learn More about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The family SUV market has a range of great options to choose from, but there is a reason that the Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the best-selling SUVs in the country. Its spacious design and impressive suite of comfort, safety and convenience features are all punctuated by an incredibly competitive price point. The Outlander's offering is further enhanced when you consider the Outlander PHEV, making your family's journeys an absolute joy with a vehicle that offers both comfort and eco-friendly innovation. But don't just take our word for it, book a test drive today and experience the Outlander for yourself. Contact Simon Lucas Mitsubishi today and find the perfect SUV for your family. Your next adventure awaits!
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