2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$28,790 · Crossover

$24,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the brand-new 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the established 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid often comes down to a classic trade-off: upfront cost versus long-term running expenses and performance. The Sportage Hybrid starts at a higher MSRP of $28,790 compared to the Outlander Sport's $24,995, a $3,795 difference. However, this initial investment buys significant efficiency, as the Kia nets an impressive 43 MPG combined, crushing the Mitsubishi’s 26 MPG combined rating—a 17 MPG advantage that will save substantial money over time. Furthermore, performance seekers will note the Kia boasts 227 hp, dramatically overshadowing the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp. While the Mitsubishi offers standard All-Wheel Drive, the Sportage Hybrid counters with superior power and fuel economy for daily driving needs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its exceptional 43 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Kia offers nearly double the cargo space at 39.5 cu ft versus the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cu ft, making it far more practical for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

With 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Kia delivers substantially more power than the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers a much lower barrier to entry at $24,995, despite the lower fuel economy.

Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...

Your primary goal is minimizing fuel stops and maximizing efficiency, thanks to its 43 MPG combined rating.
You require maximum utility, as its 39.5 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the competition.
You prefer stronger acceleration provided by its 227 hp powertrain.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is crucial, given its $24,995 MSRP.
You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive for adverse weather, as it is included.
You need a slightly smaller footprint, as the Outlander Sport is over 11 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Hybrid	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Length	183.5"	171.9"
Width	73.4"	71.3"
Height	65.4"	64.8"
Wheelbase	108.5"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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	Kia	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	227 hp	148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	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	Kia	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
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)	42/44 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	43 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	575.4/602.8 mi.	363.4/458.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.7 gal.	15.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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 (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
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	39.6 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 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	39.1 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	51.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P215/70R16
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
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.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	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 Sportage Hybrid and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid achieves 43 MPG combined, whereas the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is rated at only 26 MPG combined. That's a 17 MPG advantage for the Kia.

Is the price difference worth losing the Outlander Sport's All-Wheel Drive?

The Kia costs $3,795 more than the Mitsubishi, but it delivers 79 more horsepower and far better fuel economy. Your decision depends on whether AWD is a mandatory feature for you versus efficiency and power gains.

Which vehicle is better suited for long highway trips?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is better equipped for the highway, not only due to its superior 44 MPG highway rating but also its smoother 6-speed automatic transmission compared to the Outlander Sport's CVT.

How does the cargo space compare for hauling gear?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear leader here, offering 39.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Outlander Sport only provides 21.7 cubic feet, making it much tighter for larger items.

If I want more responsive driving, which one should I pick?

The Sportage Hybrid offers significantly more power with 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which should feel much more responsive than the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.