2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The $4,305 MSRP gap between the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz ($28,750) and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ($24,445) is the primary differentiator, but performance metrics show where that premium is allocated. The Santa Cruz boasts a substantial 43 horsepower advantage (191 hp vs. 148 hp) and 36 lb-ft more torque (181 lb-ft vs. 145 lb-ft). However, the smaller Outlander Sport achieves a marginally better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG. Size differences are significant: the Santa Cruz is 13.8 inches longer (195.7 in vs. 171.9 in) and 3.7 inches wider. While the Santa Cruz offers superior power, the Outlander Sport provides standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) at a lower entry cost, a key factor considering the Santa Cruz's base FWD configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport wins for daily commuting due to its slightly higher 26 combined MPG and smaller dimensions, which ease city navigation.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The significantly longer wheelbase and greater overall length (195.7 inches) of the Santa Cruz suggest potentially superior passenger and primary cargo volume, despite specific cargo specs being unavailable for car1.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is the clear winner here, delivering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, vastly outpacing the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport offers a compelling package at $24,445, providing standard AWD while costing $4,305 less than the Santa Cruz.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- Performance is paramount, evidenced by the 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
- A larger physical footprint is required, with a length of 195.7 inches compared to the competitor's 171.9 inches.
- You prefer a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is essential, as the MSRP is only $24,445.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory feature, unlike the base FWD of car1.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is a priority, achieving 26 combined MPG versus car1's 25 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 171.9" |
| Width | 75.0" | 71.3" |
| Height | 66.7" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable 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) | 22/30 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 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 | — |
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 | 40.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 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 | 39.6 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Santa Cruz and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 Santa Cruz and the 2025 Outlander Sport?
The Santa Cruz produces substantially more power with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, utilizing an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Outlander Sport lags significantly with 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
How does the standard drivetrain vary between these two crossovers?
The base 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz features Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Conversely, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering better traction control out of the box.
Is the Santa Cruz significantly larger than the Outlander Sport?
Yes, the Santa Cruz is considerably larger in overall dimensions. It measures 195.7 inches long and 75.0 inches wide, making it 13.8 inches longer and 3.7 inches wider than the 171.9-inch long, 71.3-inch wide Outlander Sport.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport slightly edges out the competition in efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG (23 city/29 highway). The Hyundai Santa Cruz is rated at 25 combined MPG (22 city/30 highway).
What is the price discrepancy when comparing the base models?
There is a $4,305 difference in starting MSRP, with the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz listed at $28,750 and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at $24,445.
Can the Outlander Sport accommodate more gear than the Santa Cruz?
Based only on provided specifications, the Outlander Sport explicitly lists 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Santa Cruz's cargo capacity figure is not detailed in the base specifications for direct comparison.
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