A growing family calls for three rows of seats. You’ll find this inside the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander. With seven seats, there’s ample room for your family plus some friends. As a bonus, each row features an impressive amount of space, ensuring every seat is the best in the cabin. Does your day call for extra cargo room? Thanks to their roomy sizes, each SUV offers more than enough cargo space for camping gear, flat-pack furniture, or moving boxes when your kids fly the nest down the road.

Despite these dimensional similarities, you may have an easier time balancing the passenger-to-cargo ratio with the Outlander since this model features a 40/20/40 split-fold second-row configuration, compared to the 60/40 split with the Highlander. This provides more ways to manage this ratio, ensuring room for everyone and everything.

This added convenience of the Outlander continues when you reach your destination. Measuring 185.8 inches long and 74.7 inches wide, the Outlander is likely easier to maneuver due to its more compact size. While still easy to handle, the Highlander's 194.9-inch length and 76-inch width may mean bypassing parking spaces the Outlander can fit into.

During the week, you stick to the paved paths, but when the weekend comes around, you’re ready to hit the natural trails and explore the great unknown with your loved ones. Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander invite you to venture farther than you previously thought possible, and it’s all thanks to the optional Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) or all-wheel drive (AWD) system of these SUVs.

While these systems both provide enhanced traction, there are a few notable differences between the two. First, S-AWC constantly manages torque between all wheels, not only when slippage is detected, like with AWD. This system also features a more diverse set of selectable drive modes than the Highlander offers. Modes offered with the Outlander include:

• Tarmac
• Gravel
• Snow
• Normal
• Eco
• Mud

If you want your SUV to better navigate Mother Nature's unknowns, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the way to go.

Safety is paramount, especially with your little ones on board. The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander are outfitted with sophisticated monitoring technology that constantly scans your surroundings, alerting you to hazards you may have missed. Each SUV offers brand-specific versions of features like:

• Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection
• Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist
• Automatic High Beams
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Cruise Control

While these SUVs offer similar safety features, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers an extra layer of protection with two exclusive features: Rear Automatic Emergency Braking and Driver Attention Alert. The former feature activates when conditions are met to help avoid a low-speed reverse collision. At the same time, the latter feature alerts you to drowsy or distracted driving, giving you a gentle reminder to take a break.

When you feel confident behind the wheel, you can better enjoy the various features of your SUV, including the ample infotainment systems of the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ bring your favorite digital features with you while on the go. Once your smartphone is connected, you can browse your saved playlists, send and receive audio text messages, and launch apps on your phone without touching your device.

Enjoy easy viewing of these digital features on the cinematic 12.3-inch touchscreen display. While this is standard with the Outlander, Highlander drivers will have to upgrade to a higher trim level since this SUV comes standard with an 8-inch display.

One feature exclusive to the Outlander is the optional YAMAHA® premium audio system. Legendary sound masters volunteered their expertise to create one of the most unique automotive sound experiences. The concert-quality audio system transforms your cabin into a mobile music venue. While the Highlander features a JBL® premium audio system, it isn’t as advanced as the Outlander system.

Everyone has their definition of comfort. While some like it warmer, others prefer lower temperatures. The 3-zone climate control system (standard or available) lets passengers independently set and adjust their temperature throughout the commute. In addition to providing comfort and freedom, these climate systems also feature an advanced filtration system. That way, whether you drive the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Toyota Highlander, you can feel good about the cleaner, healthier air your loved ones breathe.

Regardless of your SUV, heated first- and second-row seats are available. Quickly warm up on chilly mornings or give your sore muscles some TLC after a long day in the office. Available ventilated front seats are found with each SUV, delivering the power to cool down quickly after a day spent in the sun.

The similarities between the Outlander and the Highlander continue with their rear door shades. This optional add-on makes a more comfortable atmosphere for your little ones, encouraging them to nap on the way home from Grandma’s house.

In many ways, the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Toyota Highlander offer the same level of comfort, making each a great option for your family. This changes when we examine the luxurious textiles used to craft your SUV.

Each model offers a range of upholstery options, including durable cloth fabric in their base trim. Premium upgrades occur with each SUV, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift. The Mitsubishi Outlander takes this to the next level with these exclusive premiums:

• Semi-aniline leather upholstery
• Synthetic leather suede upholstery
• Synthetic quilted leather door inserts

It’s the Outlander that delivers more attention to detail. The result is a cabin full of luxurious touches that will impress even your most discerning co-worker.