Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 40 advantages that the Mitsubishi Outlander AWC has over the Hyundai Tucson AWD.
| MSRP Range | |
| Mitsubishi Outlander AWC | |
| Hyundai Tucson AWD | |
Engine
With 167 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in Outlander AWC 2.4L I4 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Tucson AWD 2.4L I4, which has 163 lb-ft of torque.
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Outlander AWC, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Tucson AWD, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| Power To Weight Ratio | ||||
| Outlander AWC | 16.4 | |||
| Tucson AWD GLS AT AWD 2.4L I4 | 19.6 | |||
| Tucson AWD GLS AT AWD PZEV 2.4L I4 | 20.3 | |||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD 2.4L I4 | 19.6 | |||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD PZEV 2.4L I4 | 20.3 | |||
Reliability
The standard engine in the Outlander AWC 2.4L I4 has an larger displacement than the standard engine in the Tucson AWD 2.4L I4, 2360 cc vs. 2359 cc. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life.
EconomyFuel Economy and Emissions
The Outlander AWC has a larger fuel tank than the Tucson AWD, 15.8 gal. vs. 15.3 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.
The Outlander AWC is more fuel efficient than the Tucson AWD. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Outlander AWC both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Tucson AWD.
| Fuel Economy City | ||||
| Outlander AWC SE 2.4L I4 | 22 mpg. | |||
| Tucson AWD | 21 mpg. | |||
*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)
The Outlander AWC 2.4L I4 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Tucson AWD 2.4L I4, 379.2 mi. vs. 333.5 mi.
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the Outlander AWC is less than the base MSRP on the Tucson AWD as shown in the table below.
| Base Price MSRP | ||||
| Outlander AWC SE | 24,845 | |||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD | 26,395 | |||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD PZEV | 26,395 | |||
Airbags
Both the Outlander AWC and the Tucson AWD feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Outlander AWC is heavier than the Tucson AWD, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| Curb Weight AT | ||||
| Outlander AWC SE | 3,600 lbs. | |||
| Outlander AWC GT S | 3,780 lbs. | |||
| Tucson AWD GLS AT AWD | 3,366 lbs. | |||
| Tucson AWD GLS AT AWD PZEV | 3,366 lbs. | |||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD | 3,488 lbs. | |||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD PZEV | 3,488 lbs. | |||
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Outlander AWC is longer than the Tucson AWD, 183.7 in. vs. 173.2 in.
Fog lights are Standard on the Outlander AWC but they are Not Available on the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV). Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Outlander AWC GT S but Not Available Tucson AWD. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, multiple-vehicle daytime crashes account for about half of all police-reported crashes in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that daytime running lights - low intensity lights that make vehicles more visible during daylight hours - reduce daytime accidents as much as 11%. Daytime running lights are a Standard feature on the Outlander AWC but Not Available on the Tucson AWD.
The Outlander AWC GT S has Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Tucson AWD.
The Outlander AWC SE features Standard self-locking hubs, a feature that automatically engages the front wheel hubs when the driver shifts to 4-wheel drive, allowing the front wheels to transfer power. Self-locking hubs are Not Available in the Tucson AWD.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The Outlander AWC has a greater standard seating capacity, with room for 7 passengers. The Tucson AWD can only accommodate 5 passengers.
The Outlander AWC has more interior space than the Tucson AWD in the following areas:
| Leg Room, Front | Shoulder Room, Rear | Head Room, Front | ||||||
| Outlander AWC | 41.6 in. | 56.1 in. | 40.3 in. | |||||
| Tucson AWD | 41.2 in. | 55.1 in. | 39.4 in. | |||||
Cargo Space
The Standard second row split seat allows Outlander AWC owners the flexibility for both storage and passenger seating. A second row split seat is Not Available in the Tucson AWD.
The Outlander AWC features a Standard third row folding seat for increased cargo space. A third row folding seat is Not Available in the Tucson AWD.
Owners of the Outlander AWC have the ability to increase the vehicle's interior cargo space by way of a Standard removable (or fold-flat) third row seat. This feature is Not Available with the Tucson AWD.
Payload and Towing
The Outlander AWC has a higher towing capacity than the Tucson AWD, meaning it can pull a larger total weight - trailer and contents.
| Tow Capacity, Max | Tow Capacity, Std | |||||
| Outlander AWC SE | - | 1,500 lbs. | ||||
| Outlander AWC GT S | 3,500 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. | ||||
| Tucson AWD | 2,000 lbs. | 1,000 lbs. | ||||
The Outlander AWC has a higher payload capacity than the Tucson AWD, meaning it can handle a greater total weight of passengers and cargo.
| Payload Capacity, Max | Payload Capacity, Std | |||||
| Outlander AWC SE | 1449 lbs. | 1449 lbs. | ||||
| Outlander AWC GT S | 1401 lbs. | 1401 lbs. | ||||
| Tucson AWD GLS AT AWD | 1242 lbs. | 1242 lbs. | ||||
| Tucson AWD GLS AT AWD PZEV | 1242 lbs. | 1242 lbs. | ||||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD | 1120 lbs. | 1120 lbs. | ||||
| Tucson AWD Limited AT AWD PZEV | 1120 lbs. | 1120 lbs. | ||||
Chassis
The Outlander AWC, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 8.5 in. vs. 6.7 in., is more capable than the Tucson AWD of traversing rough terrain without problems.
The Outlander AWC's wheelbase is longer than the Tucson AWD's, 105.1 in. vs. 103.9 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.
The Outlander AWC is narrower than the Tucson AWD, 70.9 in. vs. 71.7 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.
Wheels and Tires
The Outlander AWC comes standard with lower profile, 55 series tires (height to width ratio), which may provide better handling than the 60 series tires standard on the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV).
AdvantagesAdditional Features
With a Optional multi-adjustable power driver seat, the Outlander AWC GT S lets drivers customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is Not Available in the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV).
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Optional in the Outlander AWC GT S but is Not Available in the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV).
The Outlander AWC features a Optional navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV).
The Outlander AWC GT S has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV).
With a Optional power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Outlander AWC owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV) as a power sunroof is Not Available.
The Outlander AWC features Standard automatic headlights that control their on/off capability. Automatic headlights are Not Available on the Tucson AWD (GLS AT AWD, GLS AT AWD PZEV).