2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona bursts onto the scene with an emphasis on efficiency, promising 31 combined MPG from its 147 hp engine, making it the leaner choice for daily driving against the brawnier 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. While the Kona keeps things nimble at 171.3 inches long, the Outlander Sport leans into capability with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a slightly higher output of 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, that extra muscle costs significantly at the pump, with the Outlander Sport managing only 26 combined MPG—a stark 5 MPG deficit compared to the Kona. Furthermore, the Kona offers superior utility, boasting 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cubic feet, despite the Kona being slightly shorter in overall length. For budget-conscious drivers prioritizing mileage and space efficiency over absolute traction, the Kona's dynamic proposition looks strong against the Outlander Sport's grip advantage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers more practical utility with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, easily outclassing the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts by including standard All-Wheel Drive and producing slightly more torque at 145 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona provides better long-term value by costing less upfront ($24,550 vs $24,995) while offering significantly better running costs via 5 more miles per gallon.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops and maximizing efficiency, leveraging its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You need the maximum usable storage space within a compact footprint, thanks to its 25.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You are seeking the lower entry price point at an MSRP of $24,550, saving $445 instantly.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You live in regions requiring superior traction, as the Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a slightly more robust torque delivery of 145 lb-ft for merging or acceleration feel.
- You appreciate the extra height and presence offered by its 64.8-inch stature compared to the Kona's 62.2 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.3" |
| Height | 62.2" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 15.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
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 Sport.
What is the primary advantage of the 2025 Hyundai Kona over the 2026 Outlander Sport?
The Kona's primary advantage is its superior fuel economy, delivering 31 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG. This 5 MPG difference translates directly into lower long-term operating costs for the Kona.
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offer any performance edge over the Kona?
Yes, the Outlander Sport technically has a slight power edge, boasting 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Critically, the Outlander Sport includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which enhances traction capabilities.
Which vehicle provides more utility space for cargo?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the winner for cargo utility, offering 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Outlander Sport provides 21.7 cubic feet, making the Kona more accommodating for luggage or gear.
How do the starting prices compare between these two crossovers?
The Hyundai Kona has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $24,550. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport begins slightly higher at $24,995, giving the Kona a $445 initial cost advantage.
Are there significant differences in exterior size between the two models?
The dimensions are very similar; the Outlander Sport is marginally longer at 171.9 inches versus the Kona's 171.3 inches, but the Outlander Sport is notably taller at 64.8 inches compared to the Kona's 62.2 inches.
Are both vehicles restricted to the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are designed to operate using regular unleaded fuel, simplifying maintenance needs for both owners.
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