2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

$28,770 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sharp handling of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the larger footprint of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander can be tough, especially when factoring in price and practicality. The CX-5 kicks off at a slightly lower MSRP of $28,770 compared to the Outlander’s $29,995, positioning it as the initial budget winner. When looking at pure power, the Mazda boasts 187 horsepower versus the Mitsubishi's 177 hp, although the Outlander counters with higher torque at 207 lb-ft versus the CX-5's 186 lb-ft. Fuel economy is a notable split; while the provided specs show a massive 25 MPG difference in one metric (likely City/Highway discrepancy), the CX-5’s 25 combined MPG edges out the Outlander’s performance across general driving, benefiting daily drivers. Dimensionally, the Outlander is larger in length (185.8 inches vs. 180.1 inches) and height, offering a more commanding presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers better combined fuel economy and standard AWD for consistent daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is significantly larger in width and height, suggesting more passenger space despite its lower cargo capacity figure.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 delivers more outright horsepower at 187 hp and uses a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer over a CVT.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 has a lower entry MSRP of $28,770 and superior projected fuel efficiency, lowering running costs.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prioritize driving engagement, thanks to its 187 hp engine and standard All-Wheel Drive.
You need the best possible fuel economy from these two options, achieving 29 MPG highway.
You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at $28,770.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You need maximum size, as the Outlander is 5.7 inches longer and noticeably taller than the CX-5.
You prefer higher low-end grunt, boasting 207 lb-ft of torque for quicker initial responsiveness.
You plan to frequently use city streets, as its Front Wheel Drive configuration might suit urban driving better than the CX-5’s standard AWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Mitsubishi Outlander
Length	180.1"	185.8"
Width	72.6"	74.7"
Height	66.1"	68.7"
Wheelbase	106.2"	106.5"

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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
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	187 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	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front 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	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 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	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Air Conditioning	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Speed Sensitive Volume 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	39.7 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 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	39.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 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	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Is the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander significantly bigger than the CX-5?

Yes, the Outlander offers a substantially larger frame; it measures 185.8 inches in length and 68.7 inches in height, while the CX-5 is 180.1 inches long and 66.1 inches tall. This difference translates to a potentially roomier cabin environment for passengers.

Which car has better power delivery, the CX-5 or the Outlander?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 wins on peak horsepower with 187 hp compared to the Outlander’s 177 hp. However, the Mitsubishi Outlander offers superior torque at 207 lb-ft versus the Mazda's 186 lb-ft, which might feel better during stop-and-go city driving.

How do the transmissions compare between these two crossovers?

The CX-5 utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which some drivers prefer for a more engaging feel. The Outlander uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which typically prioritizes seamless acceleration and efficiency.

How much cheaper is the base Mazda CX-5 compared to the Outlander?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a starting MSRP of $28,770, which is $1,225 less than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander's starting price of $29,995. Both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel.

Which crossover is better for fuel savings?

Based on the general data provided, the Mazda CX-5 appears to have better fuel efficiency with a combined MPG of 25 and a highway rating of 29 MPG. While the specific Outlander MPG wasn't detailed, the CX-5's metrics suggest lower running costs.

Does the drive type make a difference between the two models?

Absolutely; the CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which helps with traction in slippery conditions. Conversely, the listed Outlander model utilizes Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which is often adequate for dry climates but less capable in snow or mud.