2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

$31,990 · Crossover

$40,445 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV often comes down to budget versus long-term fuel flexibility. If sticker price is your primary concern, the Sorento presents a compelling entry point at $31,990, significantly undercutting the Outlander PHEV's $40,445 MSRP. However, the Mitsubishi offers a unique advantage with its 38 miles of electric range, something the standard gasoline Sorento cannot match, even though both achieve a 26 combined MPG rating overall. Performance seekers will note the Outlander PHEV boasts 248 horsepower versus the Sorento's 191 hp. While the Sorento is slightly longer at 189.6 inches compared to the Mitsubishi's 185.4 inches, the PHEV compensates with a slightly larger cargo area of 12.8 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV's 38 miles of electric range offers significant potential for emission-free, low-cost daily commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento's lower initial cost of $31,990 makes it a more immediately accessible choice for budget-conscious families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV provides 57 more horsepower (248 hp) for a more engaging driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The $8,455 lower starting MSRP of the Sorento delivers substantially better entry-level value.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

You prioritize keeping the initial purchase price low, starting at only $31,990.
You prefer the predictable fueling experience of a standard gasoline vehicle and 23 MPG city efficiency.
You appreciate the slightly longer overall length of 189.6 inches for perceived cabin space.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...

You can regularly take advantage of the 38 miles of pure electric range to save on fuel.
You need All-Wheel Drive capability delivered through an advanced PHEV system.
You prioritize higher output, benefiting from 248 horsepower instead of the Sorento's 191 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Length	189.6"	185.4"
Width	74.8"	84.4"
Height	66.7"	68.5"
Wheelbase	110.8"	106.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	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	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	248 hp
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 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	8-speed automatic	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	25/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	370.0/399.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	14.8 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	67/61 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	64 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	38 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	52
Charging Time (240V)	—	6.5 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	CHAdeMO

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	54.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

What is the biggest difference between the Sorento and the Outlander PHEV regarding efficiency?

While both vehicles share a 26 combined MPG rating when operating on gasoline, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is unique because it offers 38 miles of all-electric range before switching to gas, which the standard Kia Sorento cannot do. This means your daily short trips might cost you nothing in fuel.

Is the higher price of the Outlander PHEV justified by performance?

Yes, financially and technically. The Outlander PHEV costs $8,455 more, but it delivers 248 horsepower compared to the Sorento's 191 hp, giving it significantly better acceleration capabilities.

How do their physical sizes compare for parking and maneuvering?

The Kia Sorento is slightly longer at 189.6 inches, but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is notably wider at 84.4 inches (likely including mirrors) and slightly taller at 68.5 inches, which might affect fitting into tighter garage spots.

Which crossover offers more space for luggage?

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a slight edge in dedicated cargo volume, offering 12.8 cubic feet compared to the Kia Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet behind the seats.

Do I need premium fuel for either vehicle?

Fortunately, both the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the extra cost of premium gasoline.

Does the Outlander PHEV offer better traction based on the provided specs?

Yes, the Outlander PHEV comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base Kia Sorento is listed with Front Wheel Drive, making the Mitsubishi potentially better suited for slippery conditions.