2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport jumps into the arena offering standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly punchier performance with 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, making it the enthusiast’s choice for adverse weather capability, despite a lower 26 Combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Kicks distinguishes itself through sheer economy and space efficiency; while it posts a modest 141 hp, its impressive 31 Combined MPG suggests fewer stops at the pump, perfectly complementing its cavernous 30 cu ft of cargo capacity—a massive advantage over the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. The Kicks leads on initial outlay with an MSRP of $22,430 versus the Outlander Sport’s $24,445. While both utilize a CVT, the dynamic feel differs: the Outlander Sport prioritizes traction with its standard AWD, while the Kicks maximizes fuel freedom.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 35 Highway MPG compared to the Outlander Sport’s 29 MPG.
2026 Nissan Kicks
Families will prefer the Kicks because it offers significantly more usable storage space with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 21.7 cu ft in the Outlander Sport.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts through its standard All-Wheel Drive system and slightly higher output of 148 hp.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers better overall value, costing $2,015 less with a higher MPG rating.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You require year-round traction and standard All-Wheel Drive capability for inclement weather.
- You prefer the slight performance edge provided by 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- You are comfortable with a $24,445 starting MSRP for the added AWD hardware.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, highlighted by its 31 Combined MPG rating.
- You need substantial space for gear, as its 30 cu ft of cargo capacity dwarfs the competition.
- You are seeking the lowest entry price point at $22,430.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.3" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.8" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 52.4 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nissan Kicks.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the two crossovers?
The difference is quite noticeable; the 2026 Nissan Kicks achieves a combined 31 MPG, beating the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s 26 Combined MPG by 5 miles per gallon.
Which vehicle provides better utility for hauling cargo?
The Kicks is the clear winner for hauling, offering 30 cu ft of cargo space. The Outlander Sport is substantially smaller inside, measuring only 21.7 cu ft.
Is the Outlander Sport faster or more powerful than the Kicks?
Yes, the Outlander Sport possesses slightly more muscle, generating 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kicks’ 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.
What is the primary drivetrain difference affecting driving dynamics?
The Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), appealing to those needing better grip, whereas the Kicks uses Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard.
How close are the physical dimensions of these two vehicles?
Their overall footprint is nearly identical in length (both 171.9 inches), but the Outlander Sport is slightly wider (71.3 inches vs. 70.9 inches) and taller (64.8 inches vs. 64.2 inches).
Can I save money upfront by choosing one model?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers an immediate saving, starting at $22,430 compared to the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's higher MSRP of $24,445.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool