Last updated: 2026-10-10
Mitsubishi vs Toyota: Reliability Compared
Mitsubishi
1 models tracked
Toyota
19 models tracked
Mitsubishi and Toyota are tied on reliability, and both stand good. Toyota averages a lower repair bill, while Mitsubishi tracks only the Outlander. For a used-car shopper, the model and year matter more than the badge.
Is Mitsubishi More Reliable Than Toyota?
| Metric | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 76/100 | 76/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 19 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 24 | 25 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 398 | 616 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $519/yr | $482/yr |
Mitsubishi vs Toyota: The Verdict
Reliability is tied. Both brands stand good, and both show an improving recent trend. Complaint severity, recall impact, and the spread of problems across systems all come out even.
The gap is in the details. Toyota draws fewer owner complaints per 1,000 sold, and its average repair cost is $482 a year against $519 for Mitsubishi. Toyota's models range from $362 to $642, so the one you pick moves your costs more than the brand does. Mitsubishi's biggest complaint area is structure. Toyota's is the power train.
Where Mitsubishi and Toyota Differ Most
| Component | Weight | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 66/100Good | 67/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 80/100Excellent | 77/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 80/100Excellent | 80/100Excellent |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 83/100Excellent | 82/100Excellent |
Mitsubishi vs Toyota: Strengths and Weaknesses
Mitsubishi
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($519/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Toyota
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (76/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($482/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 19 of 19 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 93 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Mitsubishi or Toyota?
Based on independent repair cost data, Toyota is cheaper to maintain at an average of $482/year compared to $519/year for Mitsubishi. The difference is relatively small, so maintenance costs shouldn't be a major deciding factor between these makes.
Toyota Repair Cost Range
$362 – $642/yr
Average: $482/yr
Mitsubishi vs Toyota Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Mitsubishi | Toyota | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 9 models) | 76/100 | 77/100 | Toyota |
Toyota wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Mitsubishi vs Toyota
| Component | Mitsubishi | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 6%18 | 19%1,909 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12%39 | 13%1,350 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%63 | 12%1,271 |
| ENGINE | 3%8 | 9%963 |
| AIR BAGS | 10%32 | 9%911 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%8 | 8%796 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 4%13 | 8%780 |
| STEERING | 2%7 | 5%532 |
| STRUCTURE | 25%78 | 4%441 |
| SUSPENSION | 5%16 | 1%61 |
Share of each make's complaints, with counts below.
Mitsubishi vs Toyota Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Mitsubishi
34
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
33
Injury reports
Toyota
699
Crash reports
93
Fire reports
633
Injury reports
Every Mitsubishi and Toyota Model Ranked
Mitsubishi Models
Toyota Models
Mitsubishi vs Toyota Reliability Trend by Year
Mitsubishi's reliability is improving — recent model years average 81/100, up from earlier years. Toyota's reliability is improving — recent model years average 82/100.
Interestingly, both Mitsubishi and Toyota show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Mitsubishi | Toyota | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 86/100 | — |
| 2025 | 82/100(1) | 78/100(15) | Mitsubishi |
| 2024 | 79/100(1) | 75/100(16) | Mitsubishi |
| 2023 | 77/100(1) | 75/100(15) | Mitsubishi |
| 2022 | 62/100(1) | 76/100(16) | Toyota |
| 2021 | 84/100(1) | 76/100(14) | Mitsubishi |
| 2020 | 76/100(1) | 73/100(13) | Mitsubishi |
| 2019 | 74/100(1) | 70/100(12) | Mitsubishi |
| 2018 | 71/100(1) | 71/100(12) | Tie |
Models tracked per year in parentheses.
Who Should Buy Mitsubishi vs Toyota?
If you want a midsize SUV and nothing else, the Outlander is the only Mitsubishi on the table, and it holds up well. Target the 2021. Skip the 2022, which owners report has hood flutter at speed and sudden shutdowns while driving. On any year, check that the liftgate holds when raised and that no warning light has switched off safety features.
If you want choice, Toyota gives you more. The Crown, Corolla, Corolla Cross, 4Runner, and Venza all rate excellent. Of those, a 2024 Crown has had time to build a record. For a truck, the Tacoma is sound and cheap to repair, but it ranks below average among trucks. Favor the 2021, avoid 2018 and 2019, and test for a transmission that shudders at light throttle. Also look for brake fluid leaking into the cab.
The Bottom Line: Mitsubishi or Toyota?
Choose by vehicle, not by brand. The Crown is the strongest model across both lineups, though its 2026 year is too new to judge and the 2024 is the one to favor. Toyota is also the cheaper brand to keep running on average, about $37 a year less, or roughly $185 over five years. A good 2021 Outlander is still a fair buy if you want that SUV.
Mitsubishi vs Toyota: Common Questions
Is Mitsubishi more reliable than Toyota?
Which brand is cheaper to repair, Mitsubishi or Toyota?
Which brand has more recalls?
What problems do Mitsubishi and Toyota owners complain about most?
Which used Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Comparing Mitsubishi vs Toyota? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How we score Mitsubishi and Toyota models
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.