2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$29,995 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 when starting near the $30,000 mark is tricky because they prioritize different things. If your main concern is maximizing fuel stops, the Outlander has a slight edge, delivering a combined 27 MPG compared to the CX-50's 26 MPG, though both use regular unleaded. However, the biggest difference is practicality versus capability. The Outlander is taller at 68.7 inches, but the CX-50 offers substantially more usable space, boasting 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Outlander’s tight 10.9 cu ft (Note: This small Outlander figure may refer to a specific configuration, highlighting a key difference). Power is neck-and-neck, with the CX-50 offering a minor advantage in output (187 hp vs. 181 hp). The CX-50’s standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability is a major selling point against the Outlander’s standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) setup, especially considering their MSRPs are nearly identical at $29,995 (Outlander) and $29,900 (CX-50).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander is slightly more fuel-efficient on the highway, achieving 31 MPG highway versus the CX-50's 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 provides significantly more storage with 31.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers marginally more power with 187 horsepower and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-50

For $95 less, the CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive and a superior cargo capacity figure.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You prioritize a slightly higher highway fuel economy rating of 31 MPG.
You prefer a taller vehicle stance, as the Outlander is 68.7 inches high versus the CX-50's 63.5 inches.
You are comfortable with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) setup over a traditional geared automatic.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You need maximum cargo versatility, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft.
You want standard All-Wheel Drive for better traction in adverse weather conditions.
You appreciate a slightly more engaging drivetrain with 187 horsepower and a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander	Mazda CX-50
Length	185.8"	185.8"
Width	74.7"	75.6"
Height	68.7"	63.5"
Wheelbase	106.5"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
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 @ 6000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 3600 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	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/31 MPG	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	348.0/449.5 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
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	40.6 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	53.6 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.9 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mitsubishi	Mazda
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	P225/65R17
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

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.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 30000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2026 Mazda CX-50.

Which crossover handles snowy roads better?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is likely the better choice because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander’s base configuration is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which generally offers less capability in slick conditions.

How do the standard engine specs compare?

They are very close; the CX-50 technically wins on power output, generating 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander’s 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Both use regular unleaded fuel.

Is the size difference between these crossovers significant?

Exterior dimensions are nearly identical in length (185.8 inches for both) and width, but the Outlander is considerably taller at 68.7 inches versus the CX-50’s 63.5 inches. This height difference likely impacts interior headroom and cargo configuration.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance freeway driving?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has a marginal advantage in highway fuel efficiency, rated at 31 MPG Highway compared to the CX-50’s 30 MPG Highway. This might translate to slightly fewer stops on long road trips.

How different is the cargo space, despite similar exterior footprints?

The difference is massive; the CX-50 advertises 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, while the Outlander lists only 10.9 cu ft in the spec sheet provided. If carrying bulky items is a priority, the CX-50 is the clear winner here.

Are there significant price differences between the two base models?

No, the pricing is extremely similar. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is listed at $29,900, making it $95 cheaper than the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander's MSRP of $29,995.