2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The primary distinction between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is the substantial $5,305 MSRP gap, starting the Seltos at $24,690 versus the Outlander's $29,995. The Outlander provides superior mechanical output, boasting 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. However, this power comes at an efficiency cost: the Seltos achieves a 29 MPG combined rating, whereas the Outlander’s MPG figures were not specified, though its larger size suggests lower efficiency, especially considering the Seltos offers 27/31 City/Highway MPG. Furthermore, the Seltos is significantly more maneuverable, measuring 172.6 inches long against the Outlander's 185.8 inches. The Outlander’s greater bulk translates to superior height at 68.7 inches versus 63.4 inches for the Kia, and it features an FWD standard configuration while the Seltos includes standard AWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Seltos
The 2025 Kia Seltos wins for commuting due to its higher fuel economy rating of 29 MPG combined and lower entry price.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is preferred for families due to its significantly larger overall dimensions, including greater width (74.7 inches vs 70.9 inches).
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander appeals more to performance enthusiasts with 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Seltos
The 2025 Kia Seltos offers better baseline value with a $5,305 lower MSRP and an included All-Wheel Drive system standard.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel expenses, indicated by its 29 MPG combined rating.
- You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive capability right from the base model purchase.
- You seek the lowest entry cost into this crossover segment, starting at $24,690.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You require maximum available power, evidenced by its 177 hp output.
- You need superior torque for hauling or steep inclines, listed at 207 lb-ft.
- A larger overall footprint is necessary, with the Outlander measuring 185.8 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Seltos | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.6" | 185.8" |
| Width | 70.9" | 74.7" |
| Height | 63.4" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 146 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 | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/31 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 356.4/409.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 54.0 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 |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.8 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | 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 | P215/55R | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
What is the difference in power output between the Seltos and Outlander?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander produces 177 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This is a measurable increase over the 2025 Kia Seltos, which is rated at 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
How much larger is the Outlander compared to the Seltos based on exterior dimensions?
The Outlander is substantially larger, measuring 185.8 inches long versus the Seltos's 172.6 inches in length. Additionally, the Outlander stands 68.7 inches tall, providing 5.3 inches more height than the 63.4-inch Kia.
Which vehicle is the more cost-effective option based on initial pricing?
The 2025 Kia Seltos is the lower entry point at $24,690 MSRP, creating a $5,305 price difference compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander's $29,995 MSRP.
Does the standard drivetrain setup differ between these two crossovers?
Yes, the standard drive type diverges significantly; the 2025 Kia Seltos comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with Front Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.
Is there a significant difference in fuel efficiency between the two models?
Only the Seltos provided MPG data, showing a combined 29 MPG (27 City/31 Highway). The Outlander's specification sheet did not include specific MPG figures for this comparison.
Are both vehicles equipped with a CVT?
Both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
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