Ford vs Mitsubishi Reliability: Full Comparison

Ford vs Mitsubishi Reliability

Mitsubishi might not be that much of a popular brand compared to Ford, but they are worth considering. Both brands are well-established automotive brands with a long history of producing reliable vehicles.

But specific features and peculiar characteristics set both brands apart from each other. The key differences between the two companies make one more appealing to users than the other.

Probably not as you expected, but Mitsubishi is more reliable than Ford. Mitsubishi has higher reliability ratings, better dependability scores, and more extended warranty coverage.

In the past, Mitsubishi battled without issues regarding reliability. With the high frequency of problems and higher repair costs, there weren't many features to admire in Mitsubishi vehicles.

Recently, the Mitsubishi brand has improved its production strategies. There are still areas to cover, as it's obvious that Ford offers better engine power and performance.

Here's all you need to know about the reliability of Ford Vs Mitsubishi reliability.

A Detailed Comparison

FeaturesFordMitsubishi
Gas Mileage
Good
Good
Design
Kinetic design, stylish and sleek
User-focused, athletic, rugged, simple
Safety
Higher Safety Ratings
Fair Safety Ratings
Engine and Performance
Good
Good
Repair and Maintenance Cost
Costlier
Cheap
Durability
Ford cars can last up to 200,000 miles, with an average lifespan of 10-13 years.
Mitsubishi cars can last up to 150,000 to 200,000 miles with an average lifespan of 10-13 years.
Technology
Good
Good

Which Is Better?

When it comes to comparing the reliability of Ford and Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi is better — slightly better. The differences between the reliability of Ford and Mitsubishi aren't that much, but it is worth mentioning.

According to RepairPal, Mitsubishi has a reliability rating of 4.0/5.0, ranking 6th out of 32 car brands. Ford falls behind, taking the 21st position with a 3.5 rating.

The case is similar to the 2022 JD Power vehicle dependability survey. Mitsubishi is the 14th most dependable car, while Ford is the 16th.

You must understand that aside from the marginal differences in the ratings of both brands. The bone of contention lies in the features of their vehicles. Ford beats Mitsubishi with improved engines that deliver better speed and power.

Mitsubishi meets up to the competition by offering cars that achieve better fuel efficiency than Ford vehicles. This greatly depends on the model and trim of both brands you choose.

The design philosophy of both car brands varies, but Mitsubishi's longer warranty coverage is something you can rely on.

Mitsubishi introduced a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. This is compared to Ford, which only returns a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile factory warranty.

This is almost more than half of what Ford offers. Although Ford has higher safety ratings, you can also rely on the cheaper repair and maintenance of Mitsubishi.

Design

It is obvious that Ford cars are more appealing than Mitsubishi's. Still, we believe that your choice amongst both brands depends on your likes and preferences.

One of the key differences between Ford and Mitsubishi is how they approach vehicle design. The philosophy behind the design of both brands is entirely different.

Ford has a reputation for producing stylish, sleek cars adopting the Kinetic design philosophy that makes its cars appear as if they are always in motion. Ford’s vehicles are also known for their aggressive front grilles, sleek lines, and sporty styling.

Mitsubishi vehicles adopt rugged, boxy designs, focusing on practicality and functionality. With Ford, you'll get larger interior space and an appealing exterior design. Mitsubishi gives off a rugged and durable look. You'd believe they are meant for off-road driving and adventurous rides.

However, one other peculiar difference between the design of Ford and Mitsubishi is in the categories and types of cars that they offer.

Ford offers a wider variety of vehicles to choose from, ranging from trucks, SUVs, and even sports cars. This is unlike Mitsubishi, which takes interest in only SUVs, sports cars, and electric vehicles.

Winner: Both

Repair and Maintenance Cost

It is cheaper to repair and maintain a Ford than a Mitsubishi. Ford has an average annual repair cost of $775, while Mitsubishi only gets $535. The damage and repair frequency is also high on Ford.

Ford vehicles have an average of 0.3 visits to a repair shop and a 15% chance of major damages. Mitsubishi gets 0.2 visits and a 12% probability of major damages.

This means that with Mitsubishi, you are getting cheaper repair and maintenance costs, and also fewer appearances in the repair shop.

Winner: Mitsubishi

Engine and Performance

In terms of engine and performance, Ford vehicles are known for their powerful, responsive engines. They offer better engines than Mitsubishi, with amazing power that you can rely on.

Mitsubishi optimizes durability and long-lasting performance, with less emphasis on power. With Ford vehicles, you are assured of getting higher speed and power.

Ford's EcoBoost technology is a major factor in helping Ford cars achieve more power, even in small engines. For instance, the 2022 Ford Escape features two engines offering a 1.5L 3-cylinder and 2.0L 4-cylinder.

Mitsubishi Outlander also delivers 181 HP, just as the 1.5L engine, with its 2.5L engine. Ford steps up to 250 HP with a 4-cylinder engine. This is a similar case with the 2017 Ford Everest vs. the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. Everest returns 160 HP, while Mitsubishi returns 145hp.

Most Ford engines return better power than Mitsubishi; however, gas mileage is relative for both brands.

Winner: Ford

Safety and Technology

Regarding safety, both Ford and Mitsubishi vehicles are known for their robust safety features and technology. Ford vehicles have various advanced safety features, including lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Mitsubishi integrates a rearview camera, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning to keep passengers safe.

Comparing the safety ratings of Ford and Mitsubishi, it is obvious that Ford is better. Seven Ford cars are earning the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick(+) award.

This is compared to Mitsubishi, which only has one car. In previous years, Mitsubishi could square it up with Ford as regards safety. This is because they had more cars with high safety ratings. But, with Ford's recent improvements, Ford is a more reliable option.

Winner: Ford

Gas Mileage

Gas Mileage is a tricky factor to compare when it comes to the reliability of Ford and Mitsubishi.

Ford vehicles are just as fuel-efficient as Mitsubishi. Ford implements the Ford EcoBoost engine technology in many of its vehicles to improve fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Although Mitsubishi has no defined or publicized fuel technology employed by Mitsubishi vehicles, the gas mileage of both brands is always closely related. Mitsubishi and Ford have lots of cars with amazing fuel efficiency. Your choice lies in the model that you choose.

For instance, the 2023 Ford Escape returns 27 MPG and 33 MPG for city and highway rides. This is combined with the Mitsubishi Outlander that returns 24 MPG and 31 MPG for city and highway.

Mitsubishi takes the competition to a whole new level with the launch of the Mitsubishi Mirage. The car returns 36 MPG on city rides and 43 on the highway.

This is similar to what the Ford Fusion offers but also better than Ford Ranger's fuel economy. The choice is yours to make.

Winner: Both

Conclusion

Ford and Mitsubishi are reliable car manufacturers with different strengths. While Ford vehicles offer stylish designs and powerful engines, Mitsubishi vehicles are known for their rugged design, durability, and practicality.

Both brands prioritize safety, providing a range of safety features in their cars, but Ford does it better. On an overall scale, considering Reliability higher reliability ratings, higher dependability scores, and cheaper repair, and maintenance costs, Mitsubishi is a more reliable option.

With Mitsubishi, you'll also get a higher warranty and fewer reasons to spend much money in the repair shop. However, if you choose to stick with Mitsubishi, you'll have to sacrifice the better engine performance and higher safety rating that Ford offers.