2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (car1) and the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid (car2) lies in fuel economy, with car2 achieving a combined 37 MPG versus car1's 26 MPG, an 11 MPG advantage. Power output also favors the Outlander PHEV, boasting 248 horsepower compared to the Sorento Hybrid's 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. However, the Mitsubishi mandates a higher MSRP of $40,445 against the Kia's $38,890. While car1 offers a segment-leading 38 miles of electric range, car2 provides superior traditional fuel efficiency across city (37 MPG) and highway (36 MPG) driving compared to the Outlander's 25/27 MPG split. Dimensionally, the Sorento Hybrid is longer at 189.6 inches, but the Outlander PHEV is significantly wider at 84.4 inches, though both offer nearly identical cargo space (12.8 cu ft vs 12.6 cu ft).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid wins for daily commuting due to its superior 37 MPG combined fuel economy over the Outlander PHEV's 26 MPG combined rating.
2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Kia Sorento Hybrid offers better overall running costs through high MPG and a lower starting MSRP of $38,890 compared to the Mitsubishi's $40,445.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the choice for performance enthusiasts, offering 248 hp, exceeding the Kia's 227 hp output.
2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid
The Kia Sorento Hybrid provides better efficiency metrics (37 MPG combined) at a lower entry price point ($38,890) than the Outlander PHEV.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- Electric driving is prioritized, given the 38 miles of dedicated electric range.
- Maximum powertrain output is desired, as the 248 hp is higher than the competitor's 227 hp.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory feature for handling diverse road conditions.
Choose the Kia Sorento Hybrid if...
- Absolute fuel efficiency is the main criterion, evidenced by the 37 MPG combined rating.
- The initial purchase price must remain under $39,000, as its MSRP is $38,890.
- A traditional automatic transmission experience is preferred over a 1-speed direct drive system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Kia Sorento Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 227 hp |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 258 lb-ft |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 6-speed shiftable 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 | 37/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 37 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 654.9/637.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
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 | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 40.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 19 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 235/55R19 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| 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. | 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. | — |
| EV Battery Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid.
How does the electric range of the Outlander PHEV compare to the MPG of the Sorento Hybrid?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV provides 38 miles of all-electric driving capability. When operating in hybrid mode, it achieves 26 MPG combined, which is substantially less efficient than the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid's 37 MPG combined rating.
Which vehicle offers superior horsepower and torque figures?
The Outlander PHEV leads in peak power with 248 horsepower. The Sorento Hybrid offers lower power at 227 hp but features a specific torque rating of 258 lb-ft, which is not explicitly provided for the Mitsubishi model.
What is the cost difference between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $38,890. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at a premium of $40,445.
Are there significant differences in size and practicality?
The Sorento Hybrid is slightly longer at 189.6 inches compared to the Outlander's 185.4 inches. Cargo capacities are virtually identical, with 12.8 cu ft for the Mitsubishi and 12.6 cu ft for the Kia.
Do these vehicles require different types of fuel?
No, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid utilize regular unleaded gasoline for their non-electric operation.
Which car is equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes standard with an all-wheel drive configuration. Conversely, the listed 2026 Kia Sorento Hybrid specifies a front-wheel drive setup.
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