2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Kia Sportage often comes down to balancing budget against usable space. The Sportage sneaks in with a lower starting MSRP of $28,690 compared to the Outlander's $29,995. While the Outlander boasts slightly more horsepower at 181 hp versus the Sportage's 187 hp, the Kia pulls ahead in fuel economy, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Mitsubishi's 27 MPG combined. A massive difference appears in utility: the Sportage offers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space, crushing the Outlander's meager 10.9 cu ft behind the second row—a significant factor for hauling gear or groceries. Conversely, the Outlander is taller at 68.7 inches, potentially offering a more commanding view, but the Sportage maintains a slight edge in highway efficiency with 33 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG and its slightly lower entry price.
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the clear family winner thanks to its vastly larger 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
2026 Kia Sportage
Enthusiasts will prefer the Sportage for its slightly higher 187 horsepower output and its more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over the Outlander's CVT.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Sportage provides better efficiency (28 MPG vs 27 MPG) and significantly more utility for a lower starting MSRP of $28,690.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prefer a slightly taller driving position, as the Outlander stands 68.7 inches high.
- You are comfortable with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in your daily driving.
- You prioritize the 181 lb-ft of torque output paired with regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- Maximum cargo hauling is critical, given the Sportage's 39.6 cu ft capacity.
- You want better highway mileage, where the Sportage achieves 33 MPG.
- You prefer a traditional gear selector, as the Sportage features an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 184.4" |
| Width | 74.7" | 73.4" |
| Height | 68.7" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | 178 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 14.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 54.8 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 | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2026 Kia Sportage.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Sportage than the Outlander?
The 2026 Kia Sportage offers a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined (25 city/33 highway). The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander trails slightly with 27 MPG combined (24 city/31 highway).
Which crossover has better space for groceries and luggage?
The Kia Sportage is the undeniable leader here, boasting 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Outlander's corresponding figure is extremely small at just 10.9 cubic feet, making the Kia far more practical for families.
Is the performance significantly different between these two FWD crossovers?
The Sportage has a slight power advantage, delivering 187 horsepower compared to the Outlander’s 181 hp. Additionally, the Sportage uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Outlander relies on a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
What is the difference in their starting price points?
The 2026 Kia Sportage has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $28,690. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander begins slightly higher at $29,995.
Do either of these vehicles require premium gasoline?
No, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Kia Sportage are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs lower.
Which car feels physically bigger on the road?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is dimensionally larger, measuring 185.8 inches long and significantly taller at 68.7 inches. The Sportage is slightly shorter in length (184.4 inches) and noticeably lower in height (65.4 inches).
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