2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Escape roars into contention, delivering 180 hp and a solid 30 combined MPG, making it the polished choice for modern driving. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport captivates with its significantly lower entry price of $24,995, offering excellent cost efficiency upfront. The Escape boasts superior freeway cruising thanks to its 27/34 MPG rating and the punchier 199 lb-ft of torque, which dwarfs the Outlander Sport’s 145 lb-ft. While the Outlander Sport counters with standard All-Wheel Drive, its smaller dimensions—171.9 inches long compared to the Escape’s 180.1 inches—mean it sacrifices substantial utility, offering only 21.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the Escape’s generous 37.5 cu ft. This comparison pits smooth power and space (Escape) against pure budget consciousness and standard AWD (Outlander Sport).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 30 combined MPG.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape provides significantly more utility for families with its 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
2025 Ford Escape
Enthusiasts will prefer the Escape’s notably higher output of 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers superior initial value, starting at $24,995, saving buyers $4,520 over the Ford Escape.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You prioritize dynamic performance, benefitting from 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
- You need maximum utility, leveraging the Escape's impressive 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You drive long distances and value higher fuel efficiency, netting 30 combined MPG.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your primary concern is the upfront purchase price, as the Outlander Sport is $4,520 cheaper.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability straight from the base model.
- You are comfortable with a smaller footprint, evidenced by its 171.9-inch length, ideal for tight city parking.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 171.9" |
| Width | 74.1" | 71.3" |
| Height | 66.0" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | P215/70R16 |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the difference in power output between the 2025 Escape and the 2026 Outlander Sport?
The Ford Escape is significantly more powerful, producing 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine. In contrast, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport outputs 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover offers better value considering the price difference?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the better upfront value, with an MSRP of $24,995, which is $4,520 less expensive than the 2025 Ford Escape's starting price of $29,515.
How does the fuel economy compare between the two crossovers?
The Escape is notably more fuel-efficient, achieving 30 combined MPG (27 city/34 highway) with its Front Wheel Drive setup. The Outlander Sport achieves 26 combined MPG (23 city/29 highway), partly due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Is the 2025 Ford Escape substantially larger than the Outlander Sport?
Yes, the Escape is physically larger, measuring 180.1 inches long compared to the Outlander Sport’s 171.9 inches. This size difference translates directly into better utility, with the Escape offering 37.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
No, they use different automatic transmissions; the 2025 Ford Escape utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic, while the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
What driving advantage does the Outlander Sport have despite lower horsepower?
The key advantage for the Outlander Sport is its standard All-Wheel Drive configuration, which is not standard on the base Escape model, offering better traction in variable conditions right out of the box.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool