2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport lies in fuel economy, where the Seltos achieves a 29 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined. The Seltos also offers superior cargo volume at 26.6 cubic feet compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet. Performance metrics are closely matched, with the Outlander Sport holding a minor edge, delivering 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque to the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. Pricing shows the Seltos with a lower MSRP of $24,690 versus the Outlander Sport's $24,995. Dimensionally, the Seltos is slightly longer at 172.6 inches, while the Outlander Sport is noticeably taller, measuring 64.8 inches high against the Seltos's 63.4 inches. Both AWD models utilize a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Seltos
The 2025 Kia Seltos provides a 3 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy (29 MPG vs. 26 MPG), leading to lower running costs.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos offers 4.9 cubic feet more usable cargo space, maximizing utility for family needs (26.6 cu ft vs. 21.7 cu ft).
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport generates slightly more torque at 145 lb-ft, providing a marginally better pulling capability than the Seltos's 132 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is $305 cheaper at the base MSRP ($24,690 vs. $24,995) while delivering superior fuel efficiency and cargo volume.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Your priority is maximizing fuel savings, indicated by its 29 MPG combined rating.
- You require the largest possible cargo area, benefiting from 26.6 cu ft versus 21.7 cu ft.
- You seek the lowest starting price point at $24,690 for AWD capability.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You prefer marginally higher peak engine output with 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- A taller vehicle stance is preferred, as the Outlander Sport stands 64.8 inches high.
- You prefer a marginally wider stance for stability, measuring 71.3 inches across compared to 70.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Seltos | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.6" | 171.9" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.3" |
| Height | 63.4" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 146 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 | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all 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 | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 356.4/409.2 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.5 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 | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.8 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | 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 | P215/55R | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
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 Sport.
How much does the cargo space differ between the 2025 Seltos and the 2026 Outlander Sport?
The 2025 Kia Seltos provides substantially more cargo capacity at 26.6 cubic feet. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers 21.7 cubic feet, resulting in a measurable 4.9 cubic feet difference for storage.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for city driving?
The Seltos holds an edge in city efficiency, rating at 27 MPG city compared to the Outlander Sport's 23 MPG city. This 4 MPG difference will accumulate significant savings over a year of commuting.
Are there notable differences in engine power ratings?
The power outputs are extremely close; the Outlander Sport has a slight advantage with 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The Seltos produces 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
How do the MSRPs compare for these AWD models?
The 2025 Kia Seltos has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price at $24,690. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is priced slightly higher at $24,995 before any options or destination fees.
Which crossover is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?
The Seltos is marginally longer (172.6 inches vs. 171.9 inches), but the Outlander Sport is taller (64.8 inches vs. 63.4 inches) and slightly wider (71.3 inches vs. 70.9 inches).
Do both crossovers utilize the same transmission type?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are equipped standard with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for their respective AWD configurations.
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