2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

$39,890 · Crossover

$40,445 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV ignites the crossover segment with its robust 261 hp, a spirited performance figure, while the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with an impressive 38 miles of pure electric freedom. The Kia offers significantly better conventional fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG combined compared to the Outlander's 26 MPG combined—a distinct 9 MPG advantage for long hauls. However, the Mitsubishi pushes pure EV utility further, boasting an electric range of 38 miles versus the Kia's 34 miles. For enthusiasts, the Kia’s 258 lb-ft of torque mated to a conventional 6-speed automatic offers a more traditional, engaging drive feel than the Outlander's 1-speed direct drive. While the Kia starts at a slightly lower $39,890 MSRP, the battle centers on balancing accessible power and economy against superior zero-emission cruising capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Sportage PHEV offers better overall fuel efficiency at 35 MPG combined, reducing running costs for daily travel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV provides marginally greater electric range (38 miles) and is physically wider at 84.4 inches, potentially offering more cabin comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia delivers superior power with 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid

The Kia undercuts the Mitsubishi on price with an MSRP of $39,890 and maintains higher gasoline efficiency.

Choose the Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize responsive power, thanks to its 261 hp output.
You want the best traditional fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG combined.
You prefer a conventional driving feel provided by the 6-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...

Maximizing pure electric driving is critical, offering a 38-mile range.
You need maximum utility from the larger exterior dimensions (185.4 inches long).
You prefer the simplicity of a 1-speed direct drive transmission for city driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Length	183.5"	185.4"
Width	73.4"	84.4"
Height	66.9"	68.5"
Wheelbase	108.5"	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	✓	✓
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	1.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	261 hp	248 hp
Torque	258 lb-ft	—
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	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Locking	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	36/35 MPG	25/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	35 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/388.5 mi.	370.0/399.6 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	88/79 MPGe	67/61 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	84 MPGe	64 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	34 mi.	38 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	40	52
Charging Time (240V)	2.0 hr.	6.5 hr.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	14.8 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	CHAdeMO

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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	—
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	37.8 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	54.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	P235/60R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.	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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

What is the practical impact of the 9 MPG difference between these two PHEVs?

The 9 MPG difference in conventional mode (35 MPG for the Kia versus 26 MPG for the Mitsubishi) means the Sportage PHEV will require significantly fewer stops at the gas station on longer trips when the battery is depleted. This translates directly to lower long-term fuel expenditures for drivers who frequently drive beyond the electric range.

Which vehicle offers more interior room for cargo?

The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV provides substantially more storage with 34.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers only 12.8 cubic feet, suggesting the Kia is much better equipped for hauling luggage or larger gear.

How do the electric driving experiences differ between the two?

The Outlander PHEV allows for 38 miles of pure electric driving, beating the Sportage PHEV’s 34-mile range. However, the Kia utilizes a 6-speed automatic transmission, which might appeal more to drivers seeking familiarity, while the Mitsubishi uses a 1-speed direct drive optimized purely for EV efficiency.

Is the Kia's extra horsepower noticeable on the road?

Yes, the Kia Sportage PHEV boasts 261 hp, surpassing the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp, and also offers slightly more torque at 258 lb-ft. This extra performance combined with its slightly smaller size contributes to its enthusiast-favored status.

What does the difference in MSRP mean for buyers?

The 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV has a lower starting MSRP of $39,890 compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's $40,445. This $555 difference, coupled with the Kia's better gas mileage, boosts its overall value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers.