Mitsubishi Outlander vs Suzuki Grand Vitara compared
Updated Report an error By Sarah Whitmore
Mitsubishi · 2021–present
Outlander GN
- Power
- 188 kW256 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- —
- Top speed
- —
- Kerb mass
- 2,179 kg
Suzuki · 1998–2005
Grand Vitara I (FT/GT)
- Power
- 116 kW158 PS
- 0–100 km/h
- 12.4 s
- Top speed
- 170 km/h
- Kerb mass
- 1,245 kg
At a glance
Who suits what, worked out from the catalog figures of the versions above.
Categories won: Outlander GN 1 Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) 1
- City Outlander GN Consumption: 0.8 l/100 km vs 10.9 l/100 km
- Performance Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) Power per tonne: 93 kW/t vs 86 kW/t
Verdict Opinion
These two SUVs suit different owners. The Outlander is the larger, more road-focused family car with a broad choice of diesels and, from 2012, a successor with a five-star Euro NCAP rating and a plug-in hybrid. The Grand Vitara is the more rugged machine, with a low range and permanent four-wheel drive that make it better on rough ground.
On the road the Outlander is the easier companion; off it, the Grand Vitara has the hardware advantage.
— Sarah Whitmore
The second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander (CW) and the second-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara (JT) arrived in Europe within two years of each other: the Grand Vitara in 2005, the Outlander in February 2007. Both were Japanese SUVs aimed at families, but they were engineered for different priorities.
The Outlander is a car-based crossover with electronically controlled four-wheel drive, built on a stretched platform it shared with the Peugeot 4007 and Citroen C-Crosser. The Grand Vitara combines its monocoque with an integrated ladder frame and has permanent four-wheel drive with a low range. Both were tested by Euro NCAP in 2007, which gives a useful common reference point.
Engineering, design and everyday use
Engineering
The Outlander CW uses Mitsubishi's AWC electronically controlled four-wheel drive, with S-AWC on top versions after the 2010 facelift. European engines included 2.0 and 2.4 MIVEC petrols with 108 and 125 kW (147 and 170 PS), a Volkswagen 2.0 diesel with 103 kW (140 PS), a PSA 2.2 diesel with 115 kW (156 PS) and Mitsubishi's own 2.3 diesel with 130 kW (177 PS) from 2010.
The Grand Vitara JT splits torque 47:53 through a centre differential; five-door cars have a diff lock and a 1.97:1 low range. Engines ran from a 1.6 with 78 kW (106 PS) to a 2.4 with up to 124 kW (169 PS), a 3.2 V6 with 171 kW (233 PS) and a Renault-sourced 1.9 diesel with 95 kW (129 PS).
Size and practicality
The Outlander is the bigger car: its wheelbase is 2,670 mm (105.1 in) and it is about 1,800 mm (70.9 in) wide. The five-door Grand Vitara rides on a 2,640 mm (103.9 in) wheelbase and is 1,810 mm (71.3 in) wide, with 398 L (14.1 cu ft) of boot space seats up. A short three-door Grand Vitara was also offered; the Outlander came only as a five-door.
Safety
In 2007 Euro NCAP gave both cars four stars for adult occupants and three for children. The Grand Vitara scored three pedestrian stars, the Outlander two. The next Outlander (GF) achieved a five-star rating in 2012.
Race Stats side by side
Each figure is a 0–100 score from the catalog numbers, the same as on the 1CARS Race cards. PI is the overall performance index (100–999) and its class D–S.
| Stat | Outlander GN | Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) |
|---|---|---|
| PI | C · 495 | B · 543 |
| Power | 45 | 48 |
| Grip | 40 | 65 |
| Handling | 38 | 80 |
| Top speed | 47 | 27 |
| Launch | 49 | 22 |
| Reliability | — | 91 |
Grip and handling are estimates from drive type, weight, height and body (hover a figure to see where it comes from). 1CARS Race
Who wins a race?
Quarter-mile (402 m) drag from a standing start, dry road, no reaction time — the 1CARS Race physics on the catalog figures of these versions.
- 1 Outlander GNOutlander GN · 2.4 PHEV · plug-in hybrid · 188 kW (256 PS) 14.93 sat 145 km/h
- 2 Grand Vitara I (FT/GT)Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) · 116 kW (158 PS) 17.98 sat 118 km/h · +3.05 s
Size and weight
| Outlander GN | Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,709 mm185.4 in † | 4,700 mm185.0 in −9 mm −0.4 in −0.2% |
| Kerb weight | 2,179 kg4,804 lb | 1,245 kg2,745 lb −934 kg −2,059 lb −42.9% |
| Fits a standard garage? | Tight | No data |
Difference vs Outlander GN (±). Garage check: a standard single garage takes a car up to about 5.0 m (16 ft 5 in) long and 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) wide (width as listed in the catalog; some makers include the mirrors). Leave about 0.6 m (2 ft) to open the doors. † from another version of this generation.
Full specifications
| Mitsubishi Outlander | Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | Outlander GN · 2.4 PHEV · plug-in hybrid · 188 kW (256 PS) | Grand Vitara I (FT/GT) · 116 kW (158 PS) |
| Production years | 2021–present | 1998–2005 |
| Body | SUV | SUV, Convertible |
| Class | SUV / crossover | SUV / crossover |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | 188 kW (256 PS) 252 hp Better | 116 kW (158 PS) 156 hp |
| Power, all versions | 60–225 kW (82–306 PS) 80–302 hp | 64–135 kW (87–184 PS) 86–181 hp |
| Torque Why it matters: Torque is the pulling force you feel when accelerating from low revs, towing or climbing hills. | 450 Nm 332 lb-ft | No data |
| 0–100 km/h Why it matters: A shorter 0–100 km/h time means quicker getaways and safer merging onto fast roads. | No data | 12.4 s |
| Top speed Why it matters: Top speed hints at how relaxed the car is at motorway speeds, even if you never reach it. | No data | 170 km/h 106 mph |
| Power per tonne | 86 kW/t 105 hp/ton calculated | 93 kW/t 113 hp/ton calculated Better |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | Plug-in hybrid | No data |
| Engine | 2,360 cc · 4 cyl 2.4 l | 6 cyl |
| Engine code | 4B12 | No data |
| Gearbox | No data | automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | Four-wheel drive (4×4) |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm 185.4 in † | 4,700 mm 185.0 in |
| Width | 1,897 mm 74.7 in † | No data |
| Height | 1,745 mm 68.7 in † | No data |
| Wheelbase | 2,705 mm 106.5 in † | No data |
| Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy. | 2,179 kg 4,804 lb | 1,245 kg 2,745 lb Better |
| Economy and running costs | ||
| Fuel consumption Why it matters: Lower consumption cuts running costs and CO₂ emissions on every trip. | 0.8 l/100 km 294.0 mpg US Better | 10.9 l/100 km 21.6 mpg US |
| CO₂ | 19 g/km | No data |
| Fuel cost per year | €210/year estimated | No data |
| Electric | ||
| Battery Why it matters: A bigger battery usually gives more range, but takes longer to charge fully. | 20 kWh | No data |
| Electric range Why it matters: A longer range means fewer charging stops on long journeys. | 87 km 54 mi | No data |
| Energy use | 23.4 kWh/100 km | No data |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (2): Class, Country.
Better marks the stronger figure — only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).
Estimated at 15,000 km a year with fuel at €1.75/l petrol. † from another version of this generation.
In plain words
Mitsubishi Outlander has more power: 188 kW (256 PS) against 116 kW (158 PS) for Suzuki Grand Vitara. Mitsubishi Outlander is 9 mm longer than Suzuki Grand Vitara (4,709 mm vs 4,700 mm). Suzuki Grand Vitara is lighter by 934 kg (1,245 kg vs 2,179 kg). Suzuki Grand Vitara is the older design (from 1998); Mitsubishi Outlander arrived in 2001. On the catalog figures, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the pick for city; the Suzuki Grand Vitara is the pick for performance. Our catalog has no 0–100 km/h for the Mitsubishi Outlander yet, so some checks above leave it out.
Which one to choose
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if you want more interior space, a choice of efficient diesels and the option of moving up to the later five-star third generation or its plug-in hybrid.
Choose the Suzuki Grand Vitara if you will tow, drive on unpaved tracks or face snow regularly and want a low range. Petrol versions are the safer used choice; the 1.9 diesel has known oil-loss and turbocharger problems.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better off road?
The Grand Vitara. It has permanent four-wheel drive with a centre differential, and five-door cars add a diff lock and a low range. The Outlander uses electronically controlled four-wheel drive without a low range.
How did they do in Euro NCAP?
Both were tested in 2007: four stars for adult occupants and three for children. The Grand Vitara got three pedestrian stars, the Outlander two.
Was there a diesel Grand Vitara?
Yes, a Renault-sourced 1.9 diesel with 95 kW (129 PS). The Outlander offered Volkswagen, PSA and Mitsubishi diesels between 2007 and 2012.