2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the highly practical 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the newer 2026 Kia Seltos often boils down to where you prioritize budget versus fuel economy. If saving money at the pump daily is crucial, the Seltos pulls ahead significantly, achieving a combined 31 MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG. Priced slightly higher at $24,445, the Outlander Sport counters with a slightly higher torque rating of 145 lb-ft versus the Seltos' 132 lb-ft, and it includes All-Wheel Drive as standard. However, the Seltos wins on space, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cubic feet. Both models are closely matched in size, with the Seltos being marginally longer at 172.6 inches, while the Outlander Sport stands taller at 64.8 inches. Ultimately, budget-conscious buyers looking for superior efficiency will lean one way, while those needing standard AWD might prefer the other.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos clearly wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG.
2026 Kia Seltos
Families will appreciate the 2026 Kia Seltos offering more usable storage with 26.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
While both lack high power, the 2025 Outlander Sport offers a slight edge in power delivery with 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, along with standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos provides better long-term operating savings and a lower entry price of $23,690.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You absolutely require standard All-Wheel Drive for snowy conditions or light trails.
- You prefer the slightly higher standard torque output of 145 lb-ft for everyday driving responsiveness.
- You like a taller vehicle stance, as the Outlander Sport is 64.8 inches high compared to the Seltos' 63.6 inches.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is a top priority, given its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You need the maximum available cargo room, as the Seltos offers 26.6 cu ft versus 21.7 cu ft.
- You are looking for the lowest starting price, sitting at $23,690.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 172.6" |
| Width | 71.3" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.8" | 63.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 103.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-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) | 23/29 MPG | 28/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 369.6/448.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 53.0 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 48.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| 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 | P215/55R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 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 Kia Seltos.
What is the main reason to choose the 2025 Outlander Sport over the 2026 Seltos?
The primary advantage of the Outlander Sport is its standard All-Wheel Drive system, which is often an upgrade on the base Seltos trim. This makes the Mitsubishi a more confident choice if you frequently encounter slippery roads or unpaved surfaces.
How much better is the Seltos on gas for daily driving?
The 2026 Kia Seltos boasts significantly better fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG (28 City/34 Highway). This beats the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG (23 City/29 Highway) by a solid 5 MPG overall.
Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling gear?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is the clear winner for cargo capacity, providing 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, while the 2025 Outlander Sport offers 21.7 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Are these crossovers similar in size and footprint?
Yes, they are very close in dimensions; the Seltos is slightly longer at 172.6 inches versus the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches, but the Outlander Sport is marginally taller by about one inch.
Does the lower price of the Seltos hide any significant performance drawbacks?
Both crossovers have modest power, but the Seltos' engine produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, slightly less pull than the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft, though both utilize similar CVT transmissions.
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