Mitsubishi Outlander vs Renault Kadjar
What's the difference?

Mitsubishi Outlander

$39,990 - $74,490

2026 price

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Renault Kadjar

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2021 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

2021 Renault Kadjar

By Tom White

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Inline 4, 1.3L

Fuel Type

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Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

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6.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

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Likes

Meaningful tuning upgrades
Practical, spacious interior
Solid ownership terms

Cool styling inside and out
Bose stereo
Leather seats

Dislikes

Engine/CVT combo a bit dull
PHEV not here yet
Tight third row

Jerky dual-clutch auto at low speeds
Falling behind in advanced safety tech
Pricey

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Summary

In the realm of family friendly mid-size SUVs, few names have the same reputation as Mitsubishi’s Outlander.

While this new one looks almost identical to the previous version, it’s hiding some serious, Australian-flavoured changes under the skin.

But in a segment now full of not only upgraded mainstream rivals, but also new cut-price alternatives from China, does such a modest upgrade to the Outlander do enough to deserve your consideration in such a crowded market?

We went to its Australian launch to find out.

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2021 Renault Kadjar Summary

Don’t let people talk you into buying a tiny car just because you live in the city. That’s what I’ve learnt from being a car reviewer and living about eight kilometres from the CBD.

Yes, car spaces are small, or almost non existent, but the people that live there are as full-sized as people elsewhere and they often carry around just as much gear. What you need is a big, little car and the Renault Kadjar is that – a small SUV which is actually bigger than most.

The Kadjar is also French, and that’s appealing to us city folk because even though there are millions of us living in one square metre we like to think of ourselves as different, as individuals, cosmopolitan, metropolitan.

So the Kadjar looks perfect then, right?

Well, it’s good yes… in some ways, but after reading this you might prefer its Japanese cousin, the Nissan Qashqai. Let me explain...

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander 2021 Renault Kadjar

Verdict

Mitsubishi has leaned into its strengths with this Outlander update, spending its money in subtle areas to upgrade what was already a widely appealing mid-size SUV.

The local tuning has made a notable difference to the refinement and comfort of this version, while subtle updates to the software and interior trim help to refine things even further.

If you’ve had an Outlander before, you’ll love this one, although it doesn’t help the brand to challenge new players on the value front. This leaves you with the decision of whether to pick a brand with the reputation and network of Mitsubishi, or roll the dice on a far more affordable new player.

For what it’s worth, it’s genuinely tough to pick a sweet spot here. I think the best picks are at either end of the spectrum, with the ES being outstanding value, and the Exceed being particularly plush.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Verdict

The Renault Kadjar Intens ticks a lot of the urban boxes. It’s small, which is good for navigating narrow city streets and parking in tight spaces, but it’s also spacious and practical. The Kadjar is fuel efficient for a four-cylinder petrol engine and it has that sophisticated French styling.

The Intens is expensive, though, and unless you absolutely have to have leather seats, a glass roof, and the Bose stereo I’d go for the mid-range Zen grade and save yourself $5K but still have all the same safety tech. That said the Intens has auto parking as standard which is a nice convenience for the city.

Safety could be better. The AEB system doesn’t have pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross traffic alert, or reverse emergency braking.

Finally, the dual-clutch automatic and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine while a fuel efficient combination, isn’t all that easy to live with and can make driving a less-than-smooth experience. The Nissan Qashqai’s combination of CVT auto and four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine is better suited to the urban jungle - something to think about there.

Now the scores, the Kadjar Intens gets the same mark for daily driving and its urban talents – it could be smoother to drive, but there’s still lots to like.

Mitsubishi Outlander vs Renault Kadjar What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mitsubishi Outlander vs Renault Kadjar
What's the difference?