2025 Kia Sportage vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander often boils down to prioritizing everyday efficiency versus passenger accommodation. The Sportage kicks things off at a lower MSRP of $27,390, undercutting the Outlander's $29,995 base price, making it the immediate value leader. Performance-wise, the Sportage offers slightly more punch with 187 hp compared to the Outlander's 181 hp, though both use regular unleaded fuel. For those focused on fuel economy during the daily drive, the Sportage pulls ahead, achieving 28 MPG combined (25/32 MPG city/highway), slightly better than the Outlander's 27 MPG combined (24/31 MPG). However, the most dramatic difference lies in utility: the Sportage boasts a substantial 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Outlander's surprisingly small 10.9 cu ft area, which suggests a fundamental difference in how these crossovers are designed for daily loads.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Outlander's 27 MPG.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is better suited for families despite its smaller cargo area spec provided, as its greater overall height (68.7 inches) and width suggest a slightly more voluminous cabin experience for passengers.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Sportage appeals slightly more to enthusiasts by offering a higher peak horsepower rating of 187 hp compared to the Outlander's 181 hp.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage offers better value by having a lower starting MSRP of $27,390 while delivering higher combined fuel efficiency.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You prioritize lower running costs, as the Sportage delivers 28 combined MPG.
- You need maximum dedicated cargo hauling capacity, offering 39.6 cu ft.
- You want the lowest entry price, starting at $27,390.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You require more vertical space, given the Outlander's greater height of 68.7 inches.
- You prefer the feel of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission over a standard 8-speed automatic.
- You want slightly better torque delivery, as the Outlander produces 181 lb-ft compared to the Sportage's 178 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 185.8" |
| Width | 73.4" | 74.7" |
| Height | 65.4" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 181 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/32 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/457.6 mi. | 348.0/449.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| 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 (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 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: 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 | 39.4 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 39.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 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. |
| 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 and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Which crossover is better on gas for highway driving?
The 2025 Kia Sportage is slightly better on the highway, rated at 32 MPG Highway compared to the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander's 31 MPG Highway. While the difference is only 1 MPG, it adds up over frequent commuting.
Why is the Cargo Capacity listed so differently between these two SUVs?
The provided specs show the Kia Sportage offering 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Mitsubishi Outlander is listed at only 10.9 cu ft. This suggests the Outlander figure might represent cargo space with an optional third row in use, or it might reflect a packaging difference in how the space is measured.
Is there a big difference in acceleration between the 2025 Sportage and Outlander?
The Kia Sportage technically has more power with 187 hp versus the Outlander's 181 hp, and it uses a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. The Outlander uses a CVT, which typically dampens the immediate acceleration feel compared to the Kia’s geared setup.
How do the size dimensions compare for parking ease?
The Kia Sportage is marginally easier to maneuver in tight spots, being shorter in length at 183.5 inches and narrower at 73.4 inches. The Outlander is longer (185.8 inches) and wider (74.7 inches).
Do either of these base models require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, keeping fuel costs predictable for budget-conscious owners.
Is the Outlander's higher MSRP justified by its standard features?
Based only on the provided performance and size specs, the Outlander's $2,605 higher MSRP ($29,995 vs $27,390) is not immediately justified by raw power or fuel economy advantages. The premium likely covers aspects like its greater height, superior torque (181 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft), or potentially a standard drivetrain or third-row seating that wasn't listed.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool