2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
Struggling to choose between the capable 2025 Kia Sportage and the slightly larger 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander? It often boils down to fuel costs versus raw utility. The Sportage leads significantly in efficiency, boasting a combined 28 MPG rating compared to the Outlander's unstated efficiency (given the fuel economy difference listed, the Sportage's 28 MPG stands out). Price is another immediate gap: the Sportage starts lower at an MSRP of $27,390 versus the Outlander's $29,995. While the Outlander offers more physical stature (185.8 inches long vs. 183.5 inches) and is taller at 68.7 inches, this bulk doesn't translate well to cargo space where the Sportage dominates with 39.6 cu ft versus the Outlander's very small 10.9 cu ft. Performance sees a slight edge in torque for the Outlander at 207 lb-ft versus the Sportage's 178 lb-ft, though the Sportage has more peak power at 187 hp.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, netting 28 combined MPG.
2025 Kia Sportage
Despite the Outlander's size, the Sportage offers substantially more accessible storage with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander will appeal more to enthusiasts due to its higher torque rating of 207 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Sportage
The Sportage offers a lower entry point at $27,390 MSRP and better standard fuel economy.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You prioritize keeping gas station visits to a minimum, thanks to its 28 MPG combined rating.
- You are trying to keep the initial purchase price down, as the Sportage starts at $27,390.
- You need flexible, accessible cargo space, benefiting from its 39.6 cu ft capacity.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You desire more pull off the line, as the Outlander produces 207 lb-ft of torque.
- You need a taller vehicle, as the Outlander sits higher at 68.7 inches in height.
- You prefer the slightly longer overall wheelbase at 185.8 inches for potential road stability.
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 | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 207 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 | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/457.6 mi. | 0/0 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
How much more spacious is the Kia Sportage's cargo area compared to the Outlander?
The 2025 Kia Sportage offers significantly more usable space, quoting 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander only lists 10.9 cu ft, suggesting the Sportage is far more practical for hauling gear.
Which crossover is more powerful based on the base engine specs?
The 2025 Kia Sportage holds the edge in raw horsepower, producing 187 hp compared to the Outlander's 177 hp. However, the Outlander counters this with higher torque at 207 lb-ft versus the Sportage's 178 lb-ft.
Is there a big price difference between the base models?
Yes, the entry price is a notable differentiator; the 2025 Kia Sportage starts at $27,390 MSRP. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has a higher starting MSRP of $29,995, making the Sportage the cheaper initial buy.
Which car is better for highway cruising regarding fuel economy?
Based on the provided numbers, the Sportage should be better for long drives, achieving 32 MPG on the highway using regular unleaded fuel. Specific MPG figures for the Outlander were not provided for a direct comparison, but the 28 combined MPG rating for the Kia suggests efficiency.
Do these crossovers use similar transmissions?
No, the transmission setups differ; the Sportage utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Outlander relies on a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which may offer a different driving feel.
Are either of these vehicles notably larger than the other?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is dimensionally larger, measuring 185.8 inches in length and 68.7 inches in height. The 2025 Kia Sportage is slightly more compact at 183.5 inches long and 65.4 inches tall.
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