2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport bursts onto the scene with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), offering confidence when the pavement ends, backed by 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque from its punchy powertrain. Contrast this with the sharp, futuristic 2026 Hyundai Kona, which emphasizes efficiency and interior volume, boasting an impressive 31 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined. The Kona packs a competitive 147 hp but wins the utility battle with 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mitsubishi’s 21.7 cu ft. While the Outlander Sport undercuts on price at an MSRP of $24,445, the Kona maintains a slightly higher entry point at $25,350. These subcompact crossovers present a clear choice: rugged capability versus efficiency mastery in a tight footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Kona's superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG, makes it the economical choice for daily driving.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers a greater usable space advantage with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system, providing better traction capabilities.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Despite slightly lower MPG, the Outlander Sport offers standard AWD for $905 less than the base price of the FWD Kona, providing better core feature value.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You require year-round traction and will utilize the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prioritize torque delivery, as the Outlander Sport generates 145 lb-ft versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
- Sticking strictly to a sub-$25,000 budget is essential, as its MSRP is $24,445.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, leveraging its 29/34 City/Highway MPG rating.
- You need maximum packing capability, utilizing the crossover's 25.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- A modern, lower stance is preferred, as the Kona sits 2.6 inches lower than the Outlander Sport.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 171.3" |
| Width | 71.3" | 71.9" |
| Height | 64.8" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.3 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 | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Which crossover offers better fuel savings for highway driving?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the clear efficiency leader, boasting an impressive 34 MPG on the highway compared to the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway rating. This 5 MPG advantage will result in fewer stops at the pump over time.
Is the Outlander Sport significantly more powerful than the Kona?
Not significantly in terms of horsepower, as both produce similar output (148 hp for the Mitsubishi vs. 147 hp for the Hyundai). However, the Outlander Sport does produce more torque at 145 lb-ft versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
If I need maximum storage, which compact crossover should I choose?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides superior raw cargo volume, offering 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Outlander Sport trails slightly with 21.7 cubic feet of available storage space.
What justifies the Outlander Sport's lower starting price?
The 2025 Outlander Sport starts at $24,445, making it nearly a thousand dollars cheaper than the $25,350 Kona. This lower barrier to entry includes the benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive, which the base Kona lacks.
How does the overall footprint and driving height compare between these two models?
The Outlander Sport is marginally longer by about 0.6 inches, but the Kona is noticeably shorter in height at 62.2 inches, giving it a lower center of gravity compared to the Outlander Sport’s 64.8 inches.
Are both crossovers restricted to the same type of gasoline?
Both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Hyundai Kona are designed to run optimally on regular unleaded gasoline, meaning neither requires a premium fuel commitment.
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