2018 Mazda 3 vs. 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

Both on the exterior and interior, the 2018 Mazda 3 is attractive and has a lot of elements that make it appealing to the market. It certainly is not the quickest or the largest in its class but there's a whole lot of stuff that makes it superior.

Among the least expensive crossovers, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the firsts that will be recommended. It has a lot of features that one can't help but compare it to the Mazda 3. Here's a quick roundup for both vehicles' characteristics so you can judge which of the two is better.

Design & Style

Mazda thoughtfully designed the 2018 Mazda 3, choosing to focus on the driver. Its controls are easy to operate and are well-arranged. They combined touch screen and knobs with high-quality materials making the interior cabin look and feel luxurious. Front seats add up to the deluxe design being molded and padded.

The cabin design of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is not as refined compared to the Mazda 3. The seats need more cushioning and although the two rows are spacious, the third row will only allow small persons or the children.

Technology & Safety

There is an extensive list of technology advancements on the 2018 Mazda 3. It is equipped with state of the art infotainment units. The audio quality of the sound system is good and can handle higher volumes without any distortion. The navigation system is also straightforward. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a voice control system are some of its safety features.

The Rockfold Fosgate system of Mitsubishi seems outdated. While it is a utilitarian car, the Outlander comes with several noteworthy features with cruise control, automatic headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a forward mitigation system integrated with automatic braking.

Performance

The 2018 Mazda 3 is powered by its 2-liter four-cylinder engine that can produce 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. The handling dynamics are incredible with a well-behaved transmission. The engine responds with linear delivery and the brake pedal is responsive without feeling grabby.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine of the Mitsubishi Outlander has a continuously variable automatic transmission. It can reach up to 166 hp and 162 lb-ft torque that makes the gas pedal jumpy. This makes it difficult to drive during fast-moving traffic.

The Bottom Line

Both cars have plenty of characteristics that can make any driver swoon. However, the jumpy acceleration of the Mitsubishi Outlander is a huge setback because it leaves an impression of uninspiring handling. For this reason, the 2018 Mazda 3 is undoubtedly better, promising an excellent driving experience with its obedient transmission.

Ready to Schedule a 2018 Mazda 3 Test Drive Today?

Do you want to discover more about this Mazda car model can do on the road? Come and visit us at Riley Mazda today! Our dedicated team of customer service representatives will assist you in meeting all your car purchasing, financing, and servicing needs. Call us today and book an appointment for your 2018 Mazda 3 test drive now!