2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable divergence between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the $5,455 MSRP gap, with the Outlander Sport starting at $24,445 against the CX-50's $29,900. This price difference is reflected in performance, where the CX-50 offers 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft. Regarding utility, the CX-50 provides superior space, boasting 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet. Fuel efficiency remains identical, with both crossovers achieving a 26 MPG combined rating. However, the CX-50 is physically larger across the board, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches, suggesting a greater presence and likely more passenger volume.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the winner for commuters due to its lower entry price of $24,445 and slightly smaller exterior dimensions.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is preferred for families because it offers significantly more usable space with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 21.7 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 is the choice for driving enthusiasts, delivering substantially more power with 187 hp compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport provides better initial financial value, starting $5,455 cheaper than the competing CX-50.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Budget constraint dictates the purchase, given the Outlander Sport's MSRP of $24,445.
- A slightly more compact exterior profile (171.9 inches long) is desired for urban maneuverability.
- Maximum horsepower output is not a critical performance metric for daily driving needs.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Access to 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque is necessary for performance expectations.
- Maximum utility is required, evidenced by the superior 31.4 cu ft cargo capacity.
- The benefit of a modern 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT is preferred.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.3" | 75.6" |
| Height | 64.8" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 110.8" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 185 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 | — | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
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 | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 15.9 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 10.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 53.6 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P225/65R17 |
| 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-50.
How do the horsepower figures impact real-world driving performance?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 possesses 39 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 148 hp) than the Outlander Sport. This significant difference suggests the CX-50 will offer noticeably quicker acceleration and passing power, while the Outlander Sport remains sufficient for routine commuting.
Is the difference in cargo capacity between these crossovers substantial?
Yes, the difference is substantial, with the Mazda CX-50 offering 31.4 cubic feet versus the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet. This 9.7 cubic foot advantage gives the CX-50 significantly more room for larger cargo loads.
Do either of these crossovers have better fuel economy?
No, the fuel economy ratings are identical. Both the 2025 Outlander Sport and the 2026 CX-50 are rated at 26 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
What is the impact of the different transmissions on driving feel?
The Outlander Sport utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), known for smooth, efficiency-focused operation. The CX-50 uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic, which provides a more traditional feel with defined gear changes preferred by some drivers.
Which vehicle has a higher starting price and by how much?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 has the higher starting MSRP at $29,900. This is $5,455 more expensive than the entry-level price point of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which is listed at $24,445.
Are the size differences noticeable between the two all-wheel drive crossovers?
The CX-50 is noticeably larger, being 13.9 inches longer (185.8 inches vs 171.9 inches) and 4.3 inches wider (75.6 inches vs 71.3 inches). The Outlander Sport is slightly taller at 64.8 inches compared to the CX-50's 63.5 inches.
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