2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$27,390 · Crossover

$24,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage arrives with a spirited 187 horsepower and a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, promising a punchier driving feel than the efficiency-focused 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The Sportage leads impressively in utility, boasting a substantial 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. Conversely, the Outlander Sport immediately attracts attention with its lower starting MSRP of $24,995, significantly undercutting the Sportage's $27,390 entry price. While the Kia offers superior fuel economy at 28 combined MPG, the Mitsubishi counters with standard All-Wheel Drive, despite delivering only 148 horsepower and a lower 26 combined MPG. This contest pits Kia's modern power and space against Mitsubishi's affordability and standard AWD grip.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage offers better fuel economy at 28 combined MPG for lower running costs on daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage provides significantly more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage's 187 hp output provides a substantial 39 hp advantage over the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins on entry cost, starting at $24,995 versus the Kia's $27,390 MSRP.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics, benefiting from the 187 hp engine and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum hauling capability is necessary, as the 39.6 cu ft cargo area dwarfs the competition.
You prefer the predictable shift points of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Staying under a strict budget is paramount, with an MSRP starting at $24,995.
All-Wheel Drive capability is a necessity for navigating slick roads right out of the box.
You value smaller exterior dimensions for easier urban parking, as the Outlander Sport is 11.6 inches shorter in length.

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	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	39.4 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 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

How significant is the power difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Sportage packs a muscular 187 horsepower, which is a commanding 39 horsepower more than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 148 horsepower. This difference translates directly into quicker acceleration and easier highway merging for the Kia.

Which vehicle is better for hauling cargo on long trips?

The Kia Sportage is the clear cargo champion, offering 39.6 cubic feet of storage volume. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is notably smaller inside, providing only 21.7 cubic feet for luggage and gear.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a better deal considering the price difference?

The Outlander Sport is $2,395 cheaper at $24,995 MSRP, offering better baseline value. However, the Sportage justifies its higher $27,390 cost with significantly more power and cargo capacity.

Does the standard drivetrain on the Mitsubishi offer an advantage over the Kia?

Yes, the 2026 Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the listed 2025 Sportage model is Front Wheel Drive. For drivers in snowy or slippery conditions, the Mitsubishi provides immediate traction benefits.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare for daily commuting?

The Kia Sportage edges out the competition in efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG (25 City/32 Highway). The Mitsubishi achieves a respectable but lower 26 combined MPG (23 City/29 Highway).

What kind of transmission do these crossovers utilize?

The Kia Sportage uses a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, preferred by drivers seeking more distinct gear changes. The Outlander Sport utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission (CVT).