The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander and Chevrolet Equinox are compact SUVs with available all-wheel drive and starting prices under $30K. They come with a healthy roster of driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and sought-after tech touches like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This generation of Outlander dates back to the 2022 model year, whereas this version of the Equinox hails from 2018. Although in the compact class, the Outlander serves as Mitsubishi’s largest SUV, perched atop the smaller Outlander Sport and Eclipse Cross.
Chevrolet’s expansive SUV lineup positions the Equinox above subcompacts like the Trax and Trailblazer and below midsize offerings such as the Blazer and 3-row Traverse.
To see how they compare, let’s explore the highlights of the Outlander and Equinox.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
Changes to the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander include two years/30,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance and a range-topping variant called the Platinum Edition. This fully loaded model is identifiable by its 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, Black Diamond exterior paint, and contrasting silver roof.
Every Outlander is motivated by an 181-horsepower 4-cylinder engine coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional.
During testing, we’ve found this drivetrain to be fine, so long as you don’t mind traveling at a more leisurely pace. However, it starts to get loud and feel overtaxed during hard acceleration. Pricing starts at $29,890, including destination fee.
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
Warranty coverage: Mitsubishi provides a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, and, new this model year, two years/30,000 miles of free routine servicing. This ranks among the best warranties available on any compact SUV.
3-row seating: The Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the very few compact SUVs to offer three rows of seating. Keep in mind the space back there is really only suitable for kids.
Standard driver aids: Another plus point is the fact that the Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with safety items like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic high beams.
Super All-Wheel Control: This is the name for Mitsubishi’s available all-wheel drive system. It has six driver-selectable settings: Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Mud, and Eco. This is great to have for moderate off-roading adventures or when Mother Nature gets angry.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander models near you.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
Having been around since the 2018 model year, we’ve put countless miles on many variations of the Chevy Equinox. We still think it represents a solid value in this packed SUV segment, though the completely redone 2025 model is certain to make it more competitive against newer rivals.
That being said, the current version has plenty of passenger space and ample cargo volume. It gets down the road courtesy of a 175-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder and 6-speed automatic. It’s not a road rocket, but the Equinox feels peppier and is less noisy under hard acceleration than the Mitsubishi Outlander. Pricing starts at $27,995, including a factory-to-dealer delivery fee.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
Sporty RS model: True, the RS variant has the same amount of horsepower as the rest of the lineup. Yet it has sporty-looking touches like blacked-out exterior trim, black alloy wheels, LED tail lights, roof-mounted side rails, and red interior stitching.
Wireless smartphone connectivity: You can leave the phone cords at home because the Equinox’s user-friendly infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is available in the Mitsubishi Outlander but as an extra-cost option.
Relaxed driving manners: As we already mentioned, the Equinox feels livelier than the Mitsubishi Outlander whenever you need to make a quick getaway or pass slower traffic. Despite having fewer horsepower, the turbo 4-cylinder provides a welcome 203 lb-ft of torque versus 181 lb-ft in the Outlander. This is what gives the Chevy extra get-up-and-go.
Passenger space, cargo volume: The interior of the Equinox is starting to look its age, though we can’t fault the amount of space for anyone seated in the first or second row. Rear legroom is especially generous. Cargo space is also reasonable at around 29 cubic feet in capacity. With the second-row seats folded, this expands to 63.9 cubic feet.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models near you.
Similarities
The Mitsubishi Outlander and Chevy Equinox deliver lots of SUV for your buck. They have budget-friendly prices and a substantial number of safety features and tech items. Adults will find plenty of room in either model’s second row, though the Mitsubishi Outlander does have an advantage in providing a (tiny) third row.
Conclusion
This tight contest comes down to a few key factors. The Outlander’s outstanding warranty, 3-row seating, practical cabin, and bold exterior design work to its advantage. Flaws include tepid acceleration and a more limited dealer network.
While a new-and-improved Equinox is on the horizon, the 2024 model is notable for its value pricing, passenger volume, intuitive infotainment system, and livelier performance. As is often the case, it’s smart to visit a dealership and test drive each.
| 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2024 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Starting Price | $29,890 | $27,995 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 1.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined | 26 city/31 highway/28 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/A | N/A |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 inches | 107.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.4 inches | 183.1 inches |
| Width | 74.7 inches | 72.6 inches |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 65.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.6 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 34.5 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.9 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 18.7 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 55.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 51.2 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Volume | 11.7 cubic feet | 29.9 cubic feet |
