2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
December 16 2025,
The electrified family SUV battle is heating up, and we have the two main contenders: the plug-in powerhouse 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the all-new, supersized 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Forget compromise because both offer three rows and serious efficiency. But here’s the rub: one lets you drive entirely on electric power for your commute, and the other gives you huge cargo capacity and bold, squared-off looks. We're cutting through the noise to compare their performance, storage, and all-important electric systems so you can make a confident, future-proof choice.
Powertrains Built for Real Life Driving
This comparison starts with performance. Mitsubishi offers a 2.4-litre plug-in hybrid system making 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, backed by a lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors. It feels smooth, quiet, and confident, especially when you’re driving on electric power alone. Hyundai responds with a turbocharged hybrid setup that delivers up to 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque depending on trim. It’s quick, efficient, and ready for highway travel. Both SUVs feature AWD capability, giving drivers total confidence during snowy Ontario months.
Efficiency That Fits Your Style
This is where the Outlander PHEV vs Santa Fe Hybrid matchup takes two different paths. The Outlander PHEV delivers up to 61 kilometres of all-electric range before using fuel, making it perfect for short commutes, school runs, and errands without visiting the gas station. Once the battery is used, the system blends smoothly into hybrid mode for long-distance flexibility. The Santa Fe Hybrid offers strong efficiency without plugging in, with combined fuel ratings as low as 6.9 L/100 km on select trims. It’s ideal for drivers who want savings without the charging routine. Both SUVs make efficiency feel natural and easy.
Space, Comfort, and Everyday Versatility
Inside, everything becomes about layout and feel. The Outlander PHEV offers available three-row seating, a modern cabin, and up to 1,832 litres of cargo space when everything is folded. It’s extremely family-friendly, especially for growing households. The Santa Fe Hybrid brings a bold, upright design, two or three rows depending on the trim, and up to 2,267 litres of total cargo volume. Both cabins feel upscale, comfortable, and loaded with soft-touch materials, but each one has its own personality.
Safety and Tech Designed Around You
Both models take safety seriously. Mitsubishi includes advanced features like lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple crash-mitigating systems. Hyundai adds its own suite, including forward collision avoidance, highway driving assist, and a premium digital cockpit with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Outlander PHEV offers memory seating, rain-sensing wipers, and available 360 camera tech, while Santa Fe focuses on large screens and modern driver assist systems. No matter which path you take, safety is well covered.
Book Your 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Tour at Dixie Mitsubishi
When you compare, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV often wins on total ownership confidence. Why settle for a standard hybrid when you can commute on pure electric power with the Outlander's generous range and superior S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system? Visit Dixie Mitsubishi today for a test drive.