2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport launches an attack on budget consciousness, starting at just $24,445 with capable All-Wheel Drive right out of the gate. However, the 2026 Kia Sportage enters the fray with a performance edge, boasting 187 horsepower compared to the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp, representing a potent 39 hp advantage. While the Sportage is the larger machine at 184.4 inches long versus the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches, the Mitsubishi excels in tight parking, being 2.1 inches narrower. Fuel economy also leans toward the Kia, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG, despite the significant $4,245 MSRP gap where the Mitsubishi clearly offers more accessible entry pricing for a crossover experience.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the superior choice for daily driving due to its better fuel efficiency of 28 combined MPG and a more refined 8-speed automatic transmission.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is the clear winner for families needing space, offering substantially more cargo volume at 39.6 cubic feet compared to the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cubic feet.
2026 Kia Sportage
Enthusiasts will prefer the Kia Sportage, as its 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque provide significantly more grunt than the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport provides exceptional entry value at an MSRP of $24,445 while still including All-Wheel Drive capability.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your budget is the absolute primary constraint, as the MSRP starts nearly $4,245 lower than the Kia.
- You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive over Front Wheel Drive for unpredictable road surfaces.
- You need a more maneuverable footprint, with the Outlander Sport being notably more compact at 171.9 inches in length.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You require significant cargo hauling capability, as the Sportage boasts 39.6 cu ft versus the competitor’s 21.7 cu ft.
- Driving dynamics and acceleration are key, leveraging the Sportage's 187 hp output.
- You desire superior highway cruising efficiency, with the Sportage hitting 33 highway MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 184.4" |
| Width | 71.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 64.8" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.5" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-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) | 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 | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.8 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 53.4 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 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
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. |
| 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 Sportage.
How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Outlander Sport and the 2026 Sportage?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Kia Sportage produces 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, vastly overshadowing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offer AWD standard, while the Kia Sportage does not?
Yes, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is specified with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Kia Sportage model being compared utilizes Front Wheel Drive for its base configuration.
Which vehicle provides better space for passengers and cargo?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is significantly larger overall, offering nearly double the cargo capacity at 39.6 cu ft compared to the Outlander Sport’s 21.7 cu ft.
Is the price difference worth sacrificing power and space in the Outlander Sport?
The Outlander Sport saves buyers $4,245 upfront. If daily efficiency and maximum power aren't priorities, that upfront saving, combined with standard AWD, presents a compelling budget argument.
How do the transmissions compare in these two crossovers?
The Mitsubishi uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), optimized for fuel economy, while the Kia employs a more traditional and responsive 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for highway commuting?
The 2026 Kia Sportage holds a clear advantage on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the 2025 Outlander Sport's 29 MPG rating.
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