2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$28,770 · Crossover

$24,445 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport often boils down to balancing budget against driving engagement. If you prioritize a sportier drive and need more space, the CX-5 is compelling, starting at $28,770 with 187 hp. Conversely, the Outlander Sport hits a significantly lower entry point at $24,445, offering a $4,325 savings right out of the gate. While both offer standard All-Wheel Drive, the Mazda pulls ahead in power by a notable 39 hp over the Mitsubishi’s 148 hp, making highway merging easier. However, the Outlander Sport sneaks a slight efficiency lead with a Combined MPG of 26 versus the CX-5's 25. For hauling gear, the CX-5 provides substantially more utility, boasting 30.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft, a difference that matters for weekend trips or grocery runs.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins for commuters due to its slightly better efficiency (26 Combined MPG) and lower initial cost.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is better for families because it offers significantly more usable storage with 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-5 as it delivers considerably more output with 187 hp versus the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport provides superior value by saving buyers $4,325 on the MSRP while still including standard AWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You require more passenger and cargo volume, as the CX-5 offers 30.8 cu ft of storage.
You want more responsive performance, benefiting from the 187 hp engine.
You prefer a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Sticking closely to a budget is paramount, given the $24,445 starting MSRP.
You seek the absolute highest combined fuel economy, achieving 26 MPG.
A more compact footprint (171.9 inches long) is necessary for tight city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Length	180.1"	171.9"
Width	72.6"	71.3"
Height	66.1"	64.8"
Wheelbase	106.2"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
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	187 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	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	363.4/458.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 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	39.0 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 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	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	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
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-5 and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

What is the primary difference in performance between the 2025 CX-5 and the 2025 Outlander Sport?

The Mazda CX-5 is the significantly punchier vehicle, generating 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a base output of 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, which is a notable 39 hp gap.

Does the lower-priced Outlander Sport save much on fuel costs?

It does save a little; the Outlander Sport achieves 26 Combined MPG compared to the CX-5’s 25 Combined MPG. While not a massive gap, the Outlander Sport uses regular unleaded fuel, just like the CX-5.

Which crossover is physically larger and better suited for hauling gear?

The Mazda CX-5 is the larger vehicle, measuring 180.1 inches long versus the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches. This translates directly to cargo space, with the CX-5 offering 30.8 cu ft compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.

How significant is the price difference, and what features are similar?

The Outlander Sport has a lower MSRP by $4,325, starting at $24,445. Both vehicles do come standard with All-Wheel Drive and use regular unleaded fuel.

Are the transmissions in these crossovers the same type?

No, they utilize different automatic setups; the CX-5 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, while the Outlander Sport employs a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic Transmission (CVT).