Toyota BZ4X vs Mitsubishi Outlander
What's the difference?

Toyota BZ4X

$55,990 - $69,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mitsubishi Outlander

$39,990 - $74,490

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Aceman

Mini Cooper

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Toyota BZ4X

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

By Stephen Ottley

By Tom White

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

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Electric range

488 km

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Energy consumption

16.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

74.70 kWh

Seating

—

Likes

Well integrated safety technology
More space than bZ4X
Great performance for an SUV

Meaningful tuning upgrades
Practical, spacious interior
Solid ownership terms

Dislikes

Cabin design is awkward in places
Not a price leader in the EV market
No one-pedal driving

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

2026 Toyota BZ4X Summary

Toyota finds itself in a very unusual position - playing catch-up.

Usually the Japanese brand dominates any market segment it is in - or at least has one of the more popular offerings. But when it comes to mid-size electric SUVs, Toyota finds its bZ4X trailing well behind several rivals including the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5, Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X.

There’s a very clear reason for this, too. Toyota was late to the party. The brand has taken a very slow approach to the electric vehicle (EV) market, launching its first battery-powered model, the bZ4X SUV, in early 2024.

Up until the start of 2026 and a price drop that coincided with surging petrol prices and a spike in EV demand, the bZ4X was something of a bit-player in the EV market. But with sales up more than 300 per cent in 2026 the time seems perfect to expand, with the bZ4X Touring reaching dealerships.

So is this the right SUV at the right time? Or is it too little too late?

@carsguide.com.au
The 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring is a camping friendly EV! A close relative of the Subaru Trailseeker, the new electric family car has on-board plugs to charge small appliances and you can stow up to 300kg on the roof racks. Is this a better camping car than a Toyota Prado? #Toyota #bz4xtouring #EV #cartok #fyp
♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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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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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota BZ4X 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

Verdict

Is the bZ4X Touring the right Toyota for this moment in time or too little too late for the brand to play catch-up to its EV rivals?

The good news for Toyota is that it isn’t too late, at all. The Touring expands the appeal of the bZ4X, metaphorically and literally, and certainly the sales trajectory in 2026 suggests buyers are warming to Toyota’s electric future.

However, it remains a more expensive proposition for its size and the Touring doesn’t really make it stand out amongst the crowd that includes the popular BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y. It’s unfamiliar territory for Toyota, but it didn’t become the automotive juggernaut it is by giving up, so there is every reason to think the bZ4X duo will chip away at the EV sales leaders.

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

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.

Toyota BZ4X vs Mitsubishi Outlander What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota BZ4X vs Mitsubishi Outlander
What's the difference?