2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the MSRP gap of $3,775, with the Outlander Sport starting at $24,995 compared to the CX-5's $28,770. Performance metrics also diverge significantly: the CX-5 delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, substantially overpowering the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a close contest, with the Outlander Sport achieving a marginally better 26 combined MPG versus the CX-5's 25 combined MPG, though both share identical 23/29 city/highway ratings. Furthermore, the CX-5 is the larger vehicle, measuring 180.1 inches long and offering 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the Outlander Sport is shorter at 171.9 inches and provides only 21.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. These specifications frame the comparison between a higher-powered, more spacious option and a more affordably priced, slightly more efficient alternative.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins for commuters due to its slightly superior 26 combined MPG rating and lower initial cost of $24,995.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 accommodates families better by offering substantially more utility with 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 21.7 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 is the definitive choice for driving engagement, producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, drastically exceeding the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers better baseline value, costing $3,775 less while achieving a slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 26 MPG.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You prioritize higher engine output, benefiting from 187 hp versus 148 hp.
- You require maximum hauling capability, as the CX-5 provides 30.8 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You prefer a larger vehicle footprint, indicated by its 180.1-inch length and 72.6-inch width.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing upfront expenditure, given the MSRP of $24,995.
- You seek marginally better efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG.
- You prefer a smaller vehicle for urban maneuverability, reflected in its 171.9-inch length.
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 | 8.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 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 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the main performance difference between the 2025 CX-5 and the 2026 Outlander Sport?
The Mazda CX-5 holds a significant performance advantage, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport generates only 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This 39 hp difference means the CX-5 accelerates with considerably more urgency than the Outlander Sport.
Which vehicle offers superior utility space for cargo?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the clear leader in cargo capacity, offering 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. In contrast, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport provides only 21.7 cubic feet, making the CX-5 the better option for large loads.
How do the fuel economy figures compare across both crossovers?
The two vehicles exhibit similar fuel efficiency, with the Outlander Sport achieving 26 combined MPG versus the CX-5's 25 combined MPG. Both vehicles are rated identically for city (23 MPG) and highway (29 MPG) driving, and both use regular unleaded fuel.
Is there a noticeable price disparity when comparing the starting MSRPs?
Yes, there is a substantial $3,775 price difference between the two models. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $24,995, significantly undercutting the 2025 Mazda CX-5 which begins at $28,770.
Do these AWD crossovers utilize the same type of automatic transmission?
No, they employ different automatic transmissions; the CX-5 features a 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Outlander Sport utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission.
Which vehicle is physically smaller and potentially easier to park?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the more compact vehicle, measuring 171.9 inches in length, which is over 8 inches shorter than the 180.1-inch length of the Mazda CX-5.
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