2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
Picking a new small crossover often boils down to prioritizing budget versus performance, and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ($24,445 MSRP) versus the 2026 Mazda CX-30 ($25,975 MSRP) perfectly illustrates this trade-off. While the Mazda offers a significant 38 hp advantage (186 hp vs. 148 hp) and more torque (186 lb-ft vs. 145 lb-ft), which translates to a zippier drive, the Mitsubishi undercuts it on price by over $1,500. The Outlander Sport is slightly more pragmatic in terms of dimensions, measuring 64.8 inches tall compared to the CX-30’s 61.4 inches, and provides marginally more cargo room at 21.7 cu ft versus 20.2 cu ft. Fuel economy is nearly identical, with the CX-30 gaining a slight edge at 27 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport’s 26 combined MPG, though both offer standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 offers slightly better fuel efficiency at 27 combined MPG for lower running costs on long commutes.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers a practical edge with greater maximum cargo capacity at 21.7 cubic feet.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 clearly leads in performance, boasting 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport wins on initial outlay, starting at an MSRP of $24,445, which is over $1,500 less than the CX-30.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You absolutely need the lowest possible starting price, listed at $24,445 MSRP.
- You prioritize cargo space, as it offers 21.7 cu ft versus the competitor’s 20.2 cu ft.
- You appreciate a slightly taller ride height, as it stands 64.8 inches high compared to the CX-30's 61.4 inches.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You value spirited driving, thanks to its superior 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- You want marginally better fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG.
- You prefer a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 173.0" |
| Width | 71.3" | 70.7" |
| Height | 64.8" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 186 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 | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 304.8/393.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 12.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 8 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.6 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 | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2026 Mazda CX-30.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Outlander Sport and the 2026 CX-30?
The power difference is quite noticeable for everyday driving; the CX-30 produces 186 horsepower, which is a substantial 38 hp more than the Outlander Sport's 148 hp. This means the Mazda will feel notably quicker when accelerating onto highways.
Which vehicle is better for hauling gear, given their small cargo numbers?
While both are compact, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport edges out the Mazda, offering 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet. This extra 1.5 cu ft might be key for fitting bulky weekend bags.
Are there major differences in fuel economy for daily commuting?
The difference is minimal, but the Mazda CX-30 is slightly more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport’s 26 combined MPG. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel, making operational costs comparable.
Does the price difference justify the performance gap?
The 2025 Outlander Sport is priced $1,530 lower than the CX-30, meaning you save money upfront by accepting 38 fewer horsepower. If performance is secondary to budget, the Mitsubishi is the clear value choice.
What transmission differences might affect my driving feel?
The Outlander Sport uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which offers smooth, gearless operation. Conversely, the CX-30 features a 6-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for a more traditional shifting sensation.
Since both offer AWD, are they comparable in poor weather?
Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing similar traction capabilities in rain or snow. Since the Outlander Sport is taller at 64.8 inches, it might offer a slight psychological advantage regarding ground clearance, though specific clearance figures aren't listed.
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