2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

$25,195 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 injects pure driving zest into the compact crossover segment, offering a lively 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque from its standard engine, paired with standard All-Wheel Drive. Contrasting this spirited focus, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander aims for presence and practicality, though it sacrifices agility with 181 hp and a CVT. The CX-30 shines with efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG, while the larger Outlander trails at 27 combined MPG, despite having standard Front-Wheel Drive. The CX-30 is significantly nimbler and cheaper, starting at $25,195 compared to the Outlander's $29,995, representing a $4,800 initial investment difference. However, the Outlander boasts a greater stature (185.8 inches long versus 173.0 inches) and superior height at 68.7 inches, positioning it as the more substantial offering on paper, though its listed cargo capacity is unexpectedly small at 10.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 wins for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG fuel economy rating compared to the Outlander's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander is the better family choice due to its larger overall dimensions, particularly its substantial 185.8-inch length and 68.7-inch height.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 delivers a sharper drive, featuring a 6-speed automatic transmission and the highest output of 191 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 provides more standard power and better mileage for $4,800 less than the Outlander's starting MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize driving engagement and output, benefiting from the 191 hp engine.
You want better fuel efficiency, rated at 29 combined MPG.
You seek the lowest entry price point, starting at $25,195.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You need a physically larger vehicle structure (185.8 inches in length).
You prefer the operational feel of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) over a 6-speed automatic.
You require the slightly greater standard width of 74.7 inches for a broader stance.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Mitsubishi Outlander
Length	173.0"	185.8"
Width	70.7"	74.7"
Height	61.7"	68.7"
Wheelbase	104.4"	106.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	186 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	348.0/449.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	8.8 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	Mazda	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 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	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	P235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander.

What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 CX-30 and the Outlander?

The CX-30 comes standard with a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission delivering 191 horsepower, offering a more traditional feel. In contrast, the Outlander utilizes a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT) paired with a slightly lower 181 horsepower output.

How significant is the real-world difference in size and interior utility?

While the Outlander is much larger overall (185.8 inches long versus 173.0 inches for the CX-30), the CX-30 surprisingly offers nearly double the listed cargo capacity at 20.2 cu ft compared to the Outlander’s 10.9 cu ft.

Does the All-Wheel Drive on the Mazda offset the Front-Wheel Drive on the Mitsubishi?

Yes, the CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which is beneficial for diverse conditions, whereas the Outlander relies on standard Front-Wheel Drive, which generally yields better baseline fuel economy figures, though the CX-30 still wins on MPG.

What does the $4,800 price gap account for between these two crossovers?

The higher MSRP of the Outlander ($29,995 vs $25,195 for the CX-30) buys you a significantly larger body shell, including an extra 7 inches in height, despite the Mazda offering more horsepower.

Which vehicle uses regular unleaded fuel, and does it impact performance?

Both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel. The CX-30 still manages to produce 191 hp on this fuel type, leading its rival in output.