2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport often comes down to prioritizing fuel savings versus upfront cost and drivetrain. If your main concern is stretching your gasoline budget, the Maverick is the clear choice, boasting an impressive 38 combined MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG—a difference of 12 MPG. However, the Outlander Sport undercuts the Maverick significantly on price, starting at $24,995 versus the Maverick's $28,145 MSRP, saving you $3,150 immediately. Power delivery is also vastly different; the Maverick offers 191 hp, whereas the Outlander Sport provides 148 hp. While the Maverick is physically larger at nearly 200 inches long, the Outlander Sport provides a smaller footprint and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, a useful feature for varied conditions that the standard FWD Maverick lacks.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG rating, drastically reducing running costs.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport wins for families prioritizing lower purchase cost, coming in $3,150 cheaper than the Maverick.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick offers substantially more power with 191 hp compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2025 Ford Maverick
Despite the higher MSRP, the Maverick's 12 MPG advantage outweighs the initial savings from the Outlander Sport over time.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You need the best possible fuel economy, with 42 MPG in the city.
- You require more accessible power, relying on its 191 hp engine.
- You appreciate the extra space provided by its larger 199.8-inch length.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You are aiming for the lowest possible initial outlay at $24,995.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is essential for your typical driving conditions.
- You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle, measuring just 171.9 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 171.9" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.3" |
| Height | 68.8" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-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) | 42/35 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Seat Material: 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
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 Maverick and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the biggest mechanical difference between the 2025 Maverick and the 2026 Outlander Sport?
The primary mechanical difference is the drivetrain setup. The standard Maverick is Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the Outlander Sport includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Furthermore, the Maverick has a significant power advantage, producing 191 hp versus the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
How much money will I actually save on gas by choosing the Maverick?
The fuel economy gap is substantial; the Maverick achieves 38 combined MPG while the Outlander Sport gets 26 combined MPG. This 12 MPG difference means the Maverick will cost significantly less to run daily, offsetting some of its higher $28,145 starting price.
Is the 2026 Outlander Sport a more practical choice for hauling things around?
It depends on what you are hauling; the Maverick is designed like a small truck for utility, though its cargo capacity isn't specified here. The Outlander Sport offers 21.7 cu ft of dedicated cargo space behind the seats, whereas the Maverick's utility relies on its bed, which has different capabilities.
If my budget is tight, should I just get the cheaper Mitsubishi?
While the Outlander Sport is $3,150 cheaper upfront ($24,995 vs. $28,145), you must factor in long-term costs. The Maverick's superior 38 MPG rating suggests the fuel savings could negate that initial price gap over a few years of commuting.
Which crossover is better suited for spirited driving?
The 2025 Ford Maverick is the better choice for enthusiastic drivers because it produces 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. This is considerably more than the Outlander Sport's output of 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
Is the Outlander Sport much smaller and easier to park than the Maverick?
Yes, the Outlander Sport is noticeably more compact, measuring 171.9 inches long and 64.8 inches high. The Maverick is substantially larger at 199.8 inches long and 68.8 inches high, making the Mitsubishi easier to navigate and squeeze into tight city spots.
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