2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport leaps in with an appealing starting MSRP of $24,445, championing affordability in the compact crossover segment, though its 148 hp engine trails its competitor. The 2026 Ford Maverick counters with a thrilling 191 hp and superior fuel economy, boasting an impressive 38 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG. While the Maverick offers substantially more power, the Outlander Sport is significantly more compact at 171.9 inches long. This comparison pits the nimble, budget-friendly utility of the Outlander Sport against the efficiency and power punch of the longer, more commanding Maverick, which saves owners an estimated $3,700 annually in fuel costs if the MPG gap holds true over a typical driving distance. The Maverick's 43 hp advantage is palpable on the road, balancing its higher initial $28,145 sticker price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick is the clear commuter winner due to its exceptional 38 combined MPG, significantly outpacing the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG.
2026 Ford Maverick
The larger dimensions and potentially greater utility of the 2026 Ford Maverick, being 199.8 inches long compared to the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches, better serve family needs.
2026 Ford Maverick
With 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, the 2026 Ford Maverick delivers substantially more exciting performance than the 148 hp Outlander Sport.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins on entry cost with an MSRP of $24,445, which is $3,700 less than the Maverick.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Budget is the absolute priority, given the significantly lower starting MSRP of $24,445.
- Maneuverability in tight urban settings is critical, thanks to its shorter 171.9-inch length.
- You prefer the assured traction benefit of standard all-wheel drive capability.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Maverick delivers an outstanding 42 MPG city rating.
- You need stronger acceleration supported by 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.
- You require more passenger and cargo room enabled by its larger 199.8-inch frame.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 199.8" |
| Width | 71.3" | 72.6" |
| Height | 64.8" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 121.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Pre-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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 13.2 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 55.4 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 | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2026 Ford Maverick.
What is the actual driving difference between the 148 hp Outlander Sport and the 191 hp Maverick?
The 43 horsepower difference is significant; the 2026 Ford Maverick will feel much stronger during passing maneuvers and merging onto highways. The Maverick’s 155 lb-ft of torque helps it accelerate more confidently compared to the Outlander Sport's 145 lb-ft.
How substantial is the fuel economy benefit of choosing the Maverick over the Outlander Sport?
The difference is dramatic, favoring the Maverick with 38 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport’s 26 combined MPG. This 12 MPG advantage means the Maverick achieves 42 MPG in city driving while the Mitsubishi manages only 23 MPG in the city.
Does the Outlander Sport’s standard AWD beat the Maverick’s FWD for adverse weather?
Yes, for drivers prioritizing traction in snow or light off-road conditions, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the Outlander Sport offers a distinct advantage over the Maverick’s Front Wheel Drive configuration.
How does the size difference affect daily usability between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is nearly 28 inches shorter in length (171.9 inches vs. 199.8 inches for the Maverick), making it easier to park. However, the Maverick provides greater overall passenger space due to its larger dimensions.
Considering the $3,700 MSRP difference, is the Maverick’s higher price justified?
If you drive many miles annually, the Maverick's superior fuel economy might offset its $3,700 higher initial cost over several years. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the extra 43 hp included in the higher price tag.
What transmission setup does each vehicle utilize?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport uses a traditional continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Ford Maverick employs an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission, often contributing to its higher efficiency ratings.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool