2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 bursts onto the scene with a potent 191 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, appealing immediately to drivers seeking spirited handling in a compact package. Conversely, the larger 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander presents a more robust, albeit less powerful, front-wheel-drive alternative with 177 hp but greater low-end pull at 207 lb-ft of torque. While the CX-30 offers a superior combined 29 MPG fuel economy rating, the Outlander provides a significantly larger physical footprint, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches. This comparison pits the Mazda's agility and efficiency against the Mitsubishi's greater sheer size, though the Outlander demands a $4,800 premium over the CX-30's $25,195 starting price, illustrating a clear trade-off between agility and bulk.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Outlander's unknown efficiency rating in this comparison.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is better suited for families because its larger dimensions (185.8 inches long) suggest more overall cabin volume despite the specified cargo capacity difference.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 excites enthusiasts with 191 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, making it the more performance-oriented machine.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 offers better value starting at $25,195, undercutting the Outlander's $29,995 MSRP by $4,800.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the CX-30 boasts an excellent 29 combined MPG.
- You desire a more engaging drive with 191 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.
- Your budget is firm, as the CX-30 has a lower entry price of $25,195.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You need maximum exterior size, as the Outlander is 185.8 inches long and 74.7 inches wide.
- You prefer diesel-like low-end grunt, benefiting from the Outlander's 207 lb-ft of torque.
- You value the slightly larger dimensions for perceived robustness, despite the higher $29,995 cost.
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 | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 330.2/419.1 mi. | 0/0 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | — | With Real Time Traffic |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
How significant is the difference in power between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 holds a clear horsepower advantage with 191 hp, compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander's 177 hp. However, the Outlander counters this slightly by offering more torque at 207 lb-ft versus the Mazda's 186 lb-ft.
Is the Outlander significantly bigger than the CX-30, and does that translate to better space?
Yes, the Outlander is noticeably larger, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches in length, and it is also wider and taller. Despite its larger exterior, the listed cargo capacity for the Outlander is only 10.9 cu ft, making the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft seem surprisingly more accommodating.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The Mazda CX-30 provides superior fuel economy across the board, achieving a combined 29 MPG with 26 city/33 highway ratings, making it the more economical choice for routine driving.
What is the driving dynamic difference based on the listed drive types?
The CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive paired with a responsive 6-speed automatic, suggesting better grip and engaging shifts. The Outlander features Front-Wheel Drive paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), generally prioritizing smoothness over spirited performance.
How big is the price gap between the 2025 CX-30 and the 2026 Outlander?
The Outlander commands a $4,800 price premium over the CX-30, starting at $29,995 compared to the Mazda's $25,195 MSRP.
Are there differences in the type of fuel they require?
Fortunately, both crossovers are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline, simplifying fueling decisions for both owners.
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