2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence is the 9.9-inch difference in exterior length, with the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz measuring 195.7 inches compared to the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander's 185.8 inches. Performance metrics show the Santa Cruz generating a higher 191 hp versus the Outlander's 181 hp, though both share 181 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy favors the Outlander, achieving a 27 combined MPG rating against the Santa Cruz's 25 combined MPG. Pricing is closely matched, with the Outlander starting at $29,995 and the Santa Cruz at $29,500. Finally, the Outlander offers a dedicated 10.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, a metric the truck-based Santa Cruz does not directly list, highlighting a primary structural difference in utility focus between these two crossover-segment competitors.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander achieves superior fuel efficiency with a 27 combined MPG rating, minimizing routine operational costs.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander's defined crossover architecture provides a more conventional cargo space measurement of 10.9 cu ft, potentially offering more secure, enclosed storage.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz outputs a slightly higher 191 horsepower compared to the Outlander's 181 hp.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz undercuts the Outlander's MSRP by $495 while providing a higher horsepower output.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- Fuel economy is the top priority, given its 27 combined MPG rating versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG.
- A traditional crossover utility structure is preferred, evidenced by its listed 10.9 cu ft cargo capacity.
- Buyers require the more compact maneuverability associated with its 185.8-inch length.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- Maximum engine output is desired, as it produces 191 hp compared to Car 1's 181 hp.
- A lower entry price is attractive, with an MSRP of $29,500 against Car 1's $29,995.
- The longer 195.7-inch overall length might translate to different rear passenger or open-bed utility needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 195.7" |
| Width | 74.7" | 75.0" |
| Height | 68.7" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 118.3" |
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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 181 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 17.7 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 | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 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. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 54.5 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 245/60R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear 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 Santa Cruz.
Which vehicle has better daily fuel economy for city driving?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is marginally better in stop-and-go traffic, rated at 24 City MPG compared to the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz's 22 City MPG. This 2 MPG advantage will result in fewer required refueling stops over a month of commuting.
What is the key mechanical difference in their transmissions?
The Outlander utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, designed for smooth, linear acceleration. In contrast, the Santa Cruz employs a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, offering distinct gear changes.
How do the dimensions affect parking and garage fit?
The Outlander is nearly 10 inches shorter in length (185.8 inches vs. 195.7 inches), making it potentially easier to fit into tighter parking spaces. However, the Outlander is also slightly taller at 68.7 inches.
Is there a significant difference in starting price between the two models?
Yes, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a measurable price advantage, starting at $29,500. This undercuts the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander's $29,995 MSRP by $495.
Do both vehicles use the same fuel requirement?
Both the Outlander and the Santa Cruz specify regular unleaded fuel. This common requirement simplifies ownership logistics and generally keeps running costs predictable for both vehicles.
How does the power output compare if both use FWD?
While both offer front-wheel drive, the Santa Cruz has a 10 horsepower lead, producing 191 hp versus the Outlander's 181 hp. Interestingly, their torque output is identical at 181 lb-ft.
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