2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona explodes onto the scene as the agile, efficiency-minded choice, boasting a combined 31 MPG from its 147 hp engine, making city jaunts an economical dream. Contrast this with the formidable presence of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, which promises a more robust drive with 177 hp and a substantial 207 lb-ft of torque, even if its footprint is significantly larger at 185.8 inches long. The Kona keeps its operation lean, priced starting at an accessible $24,550, undercutting the Outlander's $29,995 entry point by $5,445. While the Kona favors fuel economy and compact maneuverability, the larger Outlander offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona's smaller volume, hinting at different priorities for the driver. This comparison pits economical agility against raw torque and size, demanding drivers assess their needs based on horsepower disparity and core pricing structure.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior 31 combined MPG efficiency, saving money on daily travel.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is the likely family choice because its larger dimensions (185.8 inches long) suggest more interior accommodation, despite the confusing cargo spec difference.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, which delivers significantly more muscle with 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona provides better baseline value, starting $5,445 less than the Outlander while offering excellent fuel economy.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, benefiting from the Kona's 34 MPG highway rating.
- Your budget demands a starting MSRP under $25,000, as the Kona begins at $24,550.
- You prefer a slightly nimbler vehicle based on the Kona's 171.3-inch length for easier city parking.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You require greater raw performance, thanks to the Outlander's 177 hp engine output.
- Towing or hauling benefits from the Outlander's superior 207 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum interior volume is necessary, despite the lower listed cargo capacity spec (10.9 cu ft).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.9" | 74.7" |
| Height | 62.2" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
What is the primary difference in power output between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is significantly more powerful, generating 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Kona provides a more modest 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
How much more does the 2026 Outlander cost compared to the 2025 Kona?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has a higher MSRP of $29,995, making it $5,445 more expensive than the Hyundai Kona, which starts at $24,550.
Which vehicle is the better choice strictly for saving money at the gas pump?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Outlander's unlisted rating (but generally lower given its larger size and power), with a highway rating of 34 MPG.
Are these vehicles similarly sized crossovers?
No, the Outlander is considerably larger, measuring 185.8 inches long and 68.7 inches tall, while the Kona is smaller at 171.3 inches long and 62.2 inches tall.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, simplifying fueling decisions.
What is the difference in driving dynamics suggested by the available specs?
The Kona suggests nimble, efficient daily driving with its smaller dimensions and CVT, while the Outlander leans towards a stronger feel due to its 30 hp advantage and greater curb presence.
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