2025 Kia Sportage vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport often boils down to whether you prioritize slightly better efficiency and modern space or a lower entry price. The Sportage starts at an MSRP of $27,390, significantly higher than the Outlander Sport's $24,445, making the Mitsubishi an immediate budget winner. However, the Kia rewards slightly higher spending with better fundamental specs: it delivers 187 hp compared to the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp and nets better fuel economy at 28 combined MPG versus 26 MPG. Furthermore, size matters for practicality; the Sportage is longer at 183.5 inches and offers nearly double the main cargo space, boasting 39.6 cu ft compared to the Mitsubishi’s 21.7 cu ft. If daily driving comfort and available power are key, the Sportage pulls ahead, despite the Outlander Sport offering standard All-Wheel Drive on its base configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage offers superior fuel economy at 32 MPG highway versus the Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway, saving money on routine drives.
2025 Kia Sportage
With 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the significantly larger Kia Sportage provides far more room for strollers, groceries, and gear than the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Sportage offers a substantial 39 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 148 hp), providing a much more satisfying driving experience.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins on initial outlay, costing $2,945 less than the Kia Sportage.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You need maximum utility, as the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, which is much greater than Car 2.
- You want a more responsive engine, thanks to its 187 hp output compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
- Your priority is maximizing miles per gallon, as the Sportage achieves 32 MPG highway versus 29 MPG highway for Car 2.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Keeping the upfront cost low is essential, as the Outlander Sport starts $2,945 cheaper at an MSRP of $24,445.
- You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive, as that is the base configuration for the Mitsubishi, unlike the front-wheel drive Sportage.
- You drive exclusively in urban environments where the smaller 171.9-inch length aids in easier parking maneuvers.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable 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) | 25/32 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/457.6 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | 39.4 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. |
| 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 and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
How much difference is there in fuel savings between these two crossovers?
The Kia Sportage leads in efficiency, offering a combined 28 MPG versus the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s 26 MPG combined. While the difference seems small, over a year of driving, the Sportage’s advantage of 2 MPG will result in fewer stops at the pump for regular unleaded fuel.
Is the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport better for snowy conditions despite the lower horsepower?
Yes, the base 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the base Kia Sportage is front-wheel drive (FWD). For buyers in areas seeing regular snow or slick roads, the Outlander Sport's standard AWD provides a significant traction advantage right off the lot.
Which vehicle offers more space for luggage or large shopping trips?
The 2025 Kia Sportage is the clear winner here, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is substantially smaller internally, offering only 21.7 cu ft, making the Kia better suited for bulky items.
Is the Kia Sportage powerful enough to notice the difference from the Outlander Sport?
Definitely, the 187 hp produced by the Sportage is significantly higher than the Outlander Sport's 148 hp. This 39 hp difference, coupled with 178 lb-ft of torque versus 145 lb-ft, means the Kia will accelerate onto highways with much greater ease.
How do the overall physical dimensions compare for garage parking?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a more compact vehicle, measuring 171.9 inches long and 71.3 inches wide. The Kia Sportage is noticeably longer at 183.5 inches and wider at 73.4 inches, which buyers should measure against their garage space.
If budget is the absolute top concern, which crossover should I consider first?
You should absolutely start with the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Its starting MSRP of $24,445 is $2,945 less than the Kia Sportage’s $27,390, making it the budget-friendly choice for buyers prioritizing the lowest initial investment.
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