2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sparks interest with its accessible entry point at an MSRP of $24,445, immediately undercutting the 2026 Hyundai Tucson by a significant $4,755. Excitement for the Outlander Sport lies in its standard All-Wheel Drive capability, albeit with a modest 148 hp engine achieving 26 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Tucson bursts onto the scene with superior power, boasting 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, leading to better highway manners and a more efficient 33 MPG highway rating, despite coming standard in Front Wheel Drive. The Tucson's larger footprint, stretching 182.7 inches long compared to the Outlander Sport’s 171.9 inches, translates directly into a massive 38.7 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cu ft. The comparison pits budget-conscious ruggedness against modern refinement and performance enhancement.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson offers superior fuel economy at 33 MPG highway and a more refined 8-speed automatic transmission experience for daily driving.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
With substantially more cargo capacity at 38.7 cu ft compared to 21.7 cu ft, the Tucson better accommodates family gear and larger loads.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson clearly provides a more engaging drive with 39 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 148 hp) and greater torque (178 lb-ft vs. 145 lb-ft).
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins on upfront cost, being $4,755 cheaper while still providing standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your absolute top priority is minimizing the initial purchase price, starting at just $24,445.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability regardless of a smaller power output (148 hp).
- You prefer a more compact exterior dimension, measuring only 171.9 inches in length for easier urban navigation.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- You prioritize driving dynamics, benefiting from the Tucson's 187 hp engine and shiftable 8-speed transmission.
- You need maximum utility, as the Tucson offers a cavernous 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
- Better efficiency is key, with the Tucson achieving a superior 33 MPG on the highway versus the Outlander Sport's 29 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 182.7" |
| Width | 71.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 64.8" | - |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.5" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 14.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
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. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.5 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 53.9 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 | 235/65R17 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 Tucson.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Hyundai Tucson than the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The Hyundai Tucson holds a distinct advantage in performance, delivering 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant increase over the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Tucson will offer quicker acceleration.
Is the higher price of the Tucson justified by its fuel economy improvements?
The 2026 Tucson costs $4,755 more initially but saves fuel, netting 28 combined MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG. The Tucson's highway rating of 33 MPG is notably better than the Outlander Sport’s 29 MPG.
Which vehicle offers better practicality for carrying cargo?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the clear winner for space, providing 38.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This dwarfs the 21.7 cubic feet offered in the smaller 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Why does the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport come standard with AWD while the Tucson is FWD?
The Outlander Sport includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment at its lower $24,445 price point, appealing to buyers prioritizing traction over raw power. The 2026 Tucson defaults to Front Wheel Drive, offering its power advantage primarily to the front wheels.
Comparing the transmissions, what difference will a driver notice?
The Outlander Sport uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), known for smooth, if sometimes droning, operation. The Tucson features a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which enthusiasts often prefer for more distinct gear changes during spirited driving.
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