2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ignites the segment with its electrified punch, boasting 248 horsepower and a commendable 38 miles of all-electric range, offering premium features at a higher entry point. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Sorento captivates with exceptional value, starting at just $32,190 while still delivering a respectable 26 combined MPG, albeit with only 191 horsepower routed through its front-wheel-drive system. The Outlander PHEV’s larger footprint (185.4 inches long) slightly edges out the Sorento (189.6 inches long, but narrower at 74.8 inches) in overall presence. While both crossovers achieve 26 combined MPG, the Outlander’s PHEV architecture justifies its $40,445 MSRP by offering an EV commute range, a crucial factor against the standard gasoline Sorento. The Sorento compensates with better highway efficiency at 31 MPG versus the Outlander's 27 MPG highway.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV provides a true 38-mile electric range, allowing zero-emission commuting for many drivers.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento offers a significantly lower initial cost, starting $8,255 less than the Outlander, making it easier on the family budget.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV commands 57 more horsepower (248 hp vs 191 hp) and utilizes a superior all-wheel-drive system for spirited driving.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento offers a highly competitive price point of $32,190 compared to the Outlander PHEV's $40,445 entry price.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- You prioritize instant electric torque and superior power, leveraging the 248 hp powertrain.
- You need the benefit of all-wheel drive combined with an appreciable 38-mile electric range.
- You prefer a slightly taller driving position, as the Outlander is 68.5 inches high versus the Sorento's 66.7 inches.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Maximizing initial savings is key, given the substantial $8,255 MSRP difference.
- Your driving prioritizes pure gasoline efficiency, demonstrated by the Sorento's 31 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer the traditional feel and control of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a 1-speed direct drive.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 189.6" |
| Width | 84.4" | 74.8" |
| Height | 68.5" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/27 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 67/61 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 64 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 38 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 52 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 6.5 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | CHAdeMO | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Kia Sorento.
How does the performance gap between the two crossovers feel on the road?
The difference is significant; the Outlander PHEV delivers 248 horsepower, providing a noticeable advantage in acceleration and passing power over the Sorento's 191 horsepower. This extra 57 hp in the Mitsubishi creates a more dynamic driving experience.
Which vehicle offers better long-term running costs?
The 2025 Outlander PHEV is designed for lower running costs during daily commutes due to its 38-mile electric range, potentially saving on fuel for trips under that distance. However, the Sorento has a lower initial purchase price of $32,190.
Is the cargo space significantly different between these two?
No, the cargo capacities are nearly identical; the Outlander PHEV offers 12.8 cubic feet, just slightly more than the Sorento’s 12.6 cubic feet, based on the listed specifications.
Why does the Outlander PHEV cost over $8,000 more than the Sorento?
The significant price hike for the Outlander PHEV is largely attributed to its advanced plug-in hybrid technology, AWD system, and higher 248 hp output, compared to the Sorento's standard gasoline engine and FWD configuration.
How do the transmissions compare for daily driving?
The Outlander utilizes a smooth 1-speed direct drive suited for its electric focus, while the Sorento offers a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, giving the Kia more distinct shifts during acceleration.
Which crossover is physically larger overall?
The Sorento is slightly longer at 189.6 inches compared to the Outlander's 185.4 inches, but the Outlander is significantly wider at 84.4 inches versus the Sorento’s 74.8 inches.
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