2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$25,195 · Crossover

$24,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the agile 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the slightly larger 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport can be tough when both start under $25,200. If smooth driving dynamics are your priority, the CX-30 is the clear winner; it boasts a robust 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp and 145 lb-ft. Despite this power advantage, the Mazda still achieves a better 29 MPG combined versus the Mitsubishi’s 26 MPG combined. However, the Outlander Sport offers a bit more utility, providing 21.7 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30’s 20.2 cu ft. Both offer standard All-Wheel Drive and use regular unleaded fuel, but the CX-30’s superior powertrain makes it feel more premium for only $200 more in starting MSRP ($25,195 vs $24,995).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 offers superior fuel efficiency at 29 MPG combined compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport provides slightly more utility with 21.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

With 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, the CX-30 offers significantly better performance than the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The extra $200 buys the CX-30 a major performance and efficiency upgrade, making it the better value proposition.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize spirited driving, thanks to the CX-30's 191 hp engine.
You want better fuel economy, as the CX-30 achieves 33 highway MPG.
You prefer the traditional feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Maximizing cargo space is crucial, as the Outlander Sport offers 21.7 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly taller stance, evidenced by the Outlander Sport's 64.8-inch height.
You want the lowest possible starting price, with the Outlander Sport priced at $24,995.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Length	173.0"	171.9"
Width	70.7"	71.3"
Height	61.7"	64.8"
Wheelbase	104.4"	105.1"

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	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	186 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	✓	—
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	363.4/458.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	15.8 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 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	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	51.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	P215/70R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

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 Sport.

How significant is the power difference between these two AWD crossovers?

The difference is quite noticeable for everyday driving; the 2025 Mazda CX-30 delivers 191 horsepower, which is 43 hp more than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 148 horsepower.

Which vehicle is better for long road trips regarding fuel?

The CX-30 is the more efficient option for highway cruising, offering 33 MPG highway compared to the Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway.

Does the lower price of the Outlander Sport translate to less utility?

Not entirely; the Outlander Sport is actually slightly more practical for hauling, offering 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the CX-30 provides 20.2 cubic feet.

Are these vehicles comparably sized for city parking?

They are very close, but the CX-30 is marginally smaller overall at 173.0 inches long and 70.7 inches wide, which might make maneuvering slightly easier than the 71.3-inch wide Outlander Sport.

What type of automatic transmission does each car use?

The Mazda CX-30 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, giving drivers more engagement, while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).