2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander barrels onto the scene promising a mature, substantial presence, anchored by its 181 horsepower, while the agile 2026 Hyundai Kona zips past with remarkable efficiency. The Outlander offers a decidedly chunkier package, standing nearly 186 inches long, which contributes to its 10.9 cu ft of provided cargo space—a humble figure for its size, likely due to its third row if equipped (though not specified). Conversely, the Kona feels nimble, boasting a fantastic 31 MPG combined rating, significantly outshining the Outlander’s 27 MPG combined, a crucial factor for high-mileage drivers. Performance enthusiasts will gravitate towards the Outlander’s extra 34 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona’s 147 hp. However, the Kona commands attention with its aggressive starting price of $25,350, undercutting the Outlander’s $29,995 MSRP by a substantial $4,645. This comparison boils down to raw muscle versus pragmatic, frugal agility in the compact crossover arena.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the superior commuter due to its excellent 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower entry cost.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a physically larger footprint (185.8 inches long) which typically translates to better interior space and passenger comfort.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander clearly wins on sheer output with 181 horsepower, surpassing the Kona's 147 hp offering.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers significantly better fuel efficiency and a $4,645 lower MSRP, creating immediate and ongoing savings.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prioritize on-road power and want 181 horsepower on tap.
- You need the marginally larger, more commanding road presence of a 185.8-inch long vehicle.
- You are less concerned with maximum fuel economy and prefer the driving confidence of more torque (181 lb-ft).
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Your budget is a primary concern, as it saves you $4,645 off the entry price.
- Maximum efficiency is critical, as the Kona achieves 34 MPG highway versus the Outlander's 31 MPG.
- You require more practical day-to-day utility, offering 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 171.3" |
| Width | 74.7" | 71.9" |
| Height | 68.7" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Outlander and the 2026 Kona?
The difference is noticeable for daily drivers; the Kona boasts 31 MPG combined, whereas the Outlander achieves only 27 MPG combined. This 4 MPG advantage means fewer stops at the pump for Kona owners.
Which vehicle offers more utility despite the specified cargo numbers?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides substantially more measured utility with 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, more than double the Outlander’s 10.9 cu ft figure. This disparity suggests better practical hauling ability in the Kona.
If I want better straight-line performance, which crossover should I choose?
For pure power, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is the clear choice, delivering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Kona lags behind with only 147 horsepower.
What is the primary factor determining the $4,645 price gap?
The price difference suggests the Outlander targets a higher trim level or includes standard features that boost its MSRP to $29,995. The Kona starts lean at $25,350, offering significant entry-level savings.
Are the driving dynamics similar since both use FWD and CVT transmissions?
While both use a Continuously Variable Transmission and Front-Wheel Drive, the larger dimensions and higher power output of the Outlander suggest a heavier, more stable feel, while the lighter Kona will feel zippier around town.
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