Winter 2020

If you are shopping for a compact SUV in Utah, two popular options probably come to mind: the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Nissan Rogue. Both are known for being reliable, efficient, and family friendly, but once you compare them side by side, you will notice some important differences that can help you decide which one fits your needs best.

Let’s take a closer look at performance, interior comfort, technology, and value to see how these two SUVs compare.

Performance and Powertrain

Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue are built for smooth daily driving and weekend adventures around Utah. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is powered by a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 pound feet of torque. It comes paired with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, that helps deliver efficient performance and a comfortable ride.

You can choose between front wheel drive or all wheel drive, depending on how much traction you need. The Outlander’s available Super All Wheel Control system gives it an edge in rough or slippery road conditions. This system continuously monitors the road and adjusts power to each wheel to maintain control, which is especially useful for Utah winters.

The Nissan Rogue features a 1.5 liter turbocharged three cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 225 pound feet of torque. It has a bit more power on paper, but both models provide dependable acceleration for city driving and highway cruising.

When it comes to towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander can handle up to 2,000 pounds while the Rogue is rated for up to 1,500 pounds. That difference can matter if you plan to tow a small trailer, boat, or camper.

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is an important factor for most SUV buyers. The Nissan Rogue earns an EPA estimated 30 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway with front wheel drive. The Mitsubishi Outlander achieves around 24 miles per gallon city and 31 miles per gallon highway, which is solid for an SUV that offers a third row of seats and all wheel drive options.

For drivers who want maximum efficiency, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, or Plug In Hybrid, takes things to another level. It combines a gasoline engine with two electric motors for up to 64 MPGe. You can even drive short distances using electric power only, which is perfect for errands or short commutes.

Interior Comfort and Space

Both models provide comfort, convenience, and modern design, but the Mitsubishi Outlander has a big advantage: a third row of seats. The Outlander seats up to seven passengers, while the Nissan Rogue is limited to five. This makes the Outlander one of the few compact SUVs on the market with three row seating.

The Outlander SEL trim includes available leather seating surfaces, dual zone climate control, and a premium interior that feels upscale and refined. The driver seat and front seat are supportive and spacious, while the second row and third row offer flexibility for passengers or cargo.

The Nissan Rogue offers excellent rear seat legroom, giving passengers in the second row extra space to stretch out. However, the Outlander’s passenger volume and overall cargo capacity make it a better option for growing families or those who need extra versatility.

Technology and Infotainment

Connectivity is a must for today’s drivers, and both SUVs deliver with user friendly infotainment systems. The Mitsubishi Outlander includes a standard 8 inch touchscreen, and higher trims feature a 9 inch display. Every model comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can easily access navigation, music, and messages.

The Nissan Rogue also includes an 8 inch touchscreen with an available 9 inch upgrade on higher trims. You will find wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a clear digital display that gives the cabin a modern feel.

Both models include smart driver assistance technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander offers MI Pilot Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. The Nissan Rogue includes its own version called ProPILOT Assist that provides similar features for a safer and easier drive on highways.

Cargo Space and Practical Features

Both the Outlander and Rogue are ready for road trips and everyday use, offering plenty of room for gear and groceries.

With all seats in place, the Mitsubishi Outlander provides 11.7 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Fold the third row down, and cargo capacity expands to 33.5 cubic feet. If you fold both the second and third rows, you get up to 79.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. That is a lot of flexibility for luggage, camping gear, or sports equipment.

The Nissan Rogue offers 36.5 cubic feet of space behind the second row and up to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. While it does not have a third row, it still provides plenty of storage for most families.

Both SUVs offer hands free liftgates, underfloor storage, and multiple tie down points. The Mitsubishi Outlander even includes a spare tire, which adds extra peace of mind on long drives through Utah.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is always a priority, and both vehicles perform well in this category. The Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with advanced safety features like Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.

The Nissan Rogue includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor. Both brands focus on helping drivers stay aware and avoid accidents in busy traffic or bad weather.

Price, Warranty, and Value

The Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue are both affordable for the compact SUV segment, but Mitsubishi has the advantage in overall value and warranty coverage.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander starts around 28,000 dollars MSRP. The Nissan Rogue starts slightly higher at around 29,500 dollars. Even at a lower price, the Outlander offers more seating, strong standard features, and excellent build quality.

Mitsubishi also backs its SUV with one of the best warranties available. The Outlander includes a 10 year or 100,000 mile powertrain warranty and a 5 year or 60,000 mile basic warranty. Nissan’s coverage is 5 years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain and 3 years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage. If you plan to keep your SUV for several years, Mitsubishi’s warranty provides long term confidence and value.

Driving Experience and Handling

Both the Outlander and Rogue are smooth and easy to drive, but the Outlander provides more confidence on uneven terrain thanks to its available all wheel drive system. The steering feels balanced, and the suspension absorbs bumps well, which helps when driving on Utah’s mountain roads.

The Nissan Rogue feels light and agile, especially at low speeds. It is comfortable for city driving, but the Outlander’s extra weight and larger size make it feel more stable on highways and in challenging weather.

Both vehicles come with standard CVT transmissions that focus on smooth acceleration and fuel savings. The Outlander’s CVT is tuned for responsive power delivery, while the Rogue’s turbocharged engine gives a sportier feel when accelerating from a stop.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue

Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue are strong contenders in the compact SUV category. The Rogue offers excellent fuel economy and modern tech features, while the Outlander shines with its third row of seats, available plug-in hybrid version, and unbeatable warranty coverage.

If you live in Utah and want an SUV that can handle changing seasons, mountain roads, and family adventures, the Mitsubishi Outlander is ready for the job. It delivers comfort, safety, and capability all in one stylish package.

Take a Test Drive at Southtowne Mitsubishi

Still deciding between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue? The best way to find out which one fits your lifestyle is to take a test drive. Visit Southtowne Mitsubishi in Utah to explore the full Outlander lineup, compare trims, and experience its features in person.

Our friendly team will walk you through the standard features, show you available all wheel drive options, and help you choose the model that best fits your budget and driving style. Whether you are interested in the Outlander SEL, the Outlander PHEV, or another trim, we will make sure you leave confident in your choice.