The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander and Volkswagen Tiguan are presently the only two compact SUVs with 3-row seating configurations. This extra perch is standard in the Mitsubishi and optional in the Volkswagen.
This duo sounds like it has a major ace up its sleeves when pitted against strictly 5-passenger rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Chevrolet Equinox. One thing to keep in mind is that third-row headroom and legroom in either is best suited for kids — or tall adults you want revenge upon.
There is much more to the Outlander and Tiguan than an extra set of seats, of course. To learn more, let’s check out some highlights of each one.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
This model year, the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander has a couple of notable updates. First, Mitsubishi now includes two years/30,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. Second, sitting atop the range is the fully loaded Platinum Edition. It stands out thanks to its 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, trim-exclusive Black Diamond paint, and contrasting silver roof.
The Outlander is powered by a 181-horsepower 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Pricing starts at $29,890, including destination charges. The Outlander is also offered as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), a model that we review separately.
During testing, we found the Outlander easy to maneuver and appreciated the added grip of its optional all-wheel-drive system. Less appealing is the tepid acceleration, particularly when merging onto a highway or attempting to pass slower vehicles.
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
Room for seven: This is normally a big win for the Outlander, at least for anyone looking for a compact SUV with space for seven. When occupied, cargo space shrinks to a mere 10.9 cubic feet. Thankfully, once folded, the available room expands to 30.6 cubic feet.
Warranty coverage: A big plus point with the Outlander is its warranty. This includes a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and two years/30,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
Super All-Wheel Control: Mitsubishi has a long record of competing in rally-racing events around the world. To drive this point home (pun slightly intended), its optional all-wheel-drive system has six selectable modes: Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Mud, and Eco.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander models near you.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
This generation of Volkswagen Tiguan hails from the 2018 model year, making it one of the older compact SUV entries. A steady stream of updates and improvements has kept it competitive, though we expect an all-new version to be around the corner.
The 2024 Tiguan gains more standard features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, rain-sensing wipers, and a self-dimming rearview mirror. The Tiguan can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Note that all-wheel-drive models can only be had with a 2-row/5-passenger setup. A 184-hp turbo 4-cylinder works in cooperation with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Pricing starts at $30,305, including delivery charges.
Volkswagen Tiguan Highlights
Easygoing driving manners: On specs alone, the Tiguan holds a measly 3-horsepower advantage over the Mitsubishi Outlander. Yet, during miles of testing, we’ve found it provides decent pep and solid fuel economy. Outshining the okay acceleration is the VW’s nicely controlled ride and confidence-inspiring brakes.
Digital Cockpit: An attractive digital instrument display is found in every Tiguan. We’re fans of the larger and driver-configurable unit fitted in the top-of-the-line SEL R-Line model. This 10.25-inch screen can be customized to show vehicle information like audio settings or navigation commands.
Room for seven: We’re not repeating ourselves, and yes, we know the Mitsubishi Outlander also has a third row. This is optional in the Tiguan, which allows an SUV shopper to prioritize cargo space or seating capacity. And while they’re snug for anyone except kids, it’s worth pointing out that the Tiguan holds the advantage in terms of third-row legroom.
Setting the mood: Available interior ambient lighting gives the Tiguan an upmarket feel. It is offered in 15 colors on the top two trims.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tiguan models near you.
Similarities
Three rows of seating is the key similarity between these two compact SUVs. It’s a big deal, so long as you’re not expecting to tote tall people back there. They also have starting prices within a few hundred dollars of each other, near-identical fuel economy, and sizable cargo holds when those third rows are folded.
Conclusion
This could come down to a coin toss, though we’d rather suggest spending some quality time test-driving each one. The Outlander has awesome warranty coverage and a simple but practical cabin design.
A new Tiguan is coming soon, though the current model doesn’t feel outclassed one bit. Comfortable to pilot and with some pretty slick tech touches on upper trims, it’s an equally smart and savvy pick in a very competitive SUV segment.
| 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Starting Price | $29,890 | $30,305 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 184 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined | 23 city/30 highway/27 combined |
| Also Available | AWD | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | NA | 4-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 inches | 109.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.4 inches | 186.1 inches |
| Width | 74.7 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 68.7 inches | 66.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.1 feet | 37.7 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.6 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 34.5 inches | 33.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.9 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 18.7 inches | 27.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.9 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.9 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 51.2 inches | 47.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 10.9/30.6/64.3 cubic feet | 12/33/65.3 cubic feet |
