2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander bursts onto the scene with a robust 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, offering a tangible surge of power for drivers craving a bit more punch in their crossover routine. Contrast this with the nimble 2026 Nissan Kicks, which excels in efficiency, achieving an impressive 31 MPG combined versus the Outlander's 27 MPG combined. The Kicks immediately stands out for its wallet-friendly nature with an MSRP of $22,430, significantly undercutting the Outlander's $29,995 starting price by $7,565. While the Outlander commands more muscle, its smaller 10.9 cu ft cargo capacity struggles against the Kicks' massive 30 cu ft offering. Performance seekers will appreciate the 40 hp advantage of the Outlander, but budget-conscious buyers will find the Kicks’ superior fuel economy (a 4 MPG advantage) compelling for daily commutes.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower entry price.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks offers significantly more usable space with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander provides a more engaging drive with 181 horsepower, significantly more than the Kicks' 141 hp.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks delivers better overall utility and efficiency, especially considering its $7,565 lower MSRP.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prioritize driving dynamism, benefiting from the 181 horsepower available under the hood.
- You need the larger overall footprint provided by the Outlander's 185.8-inch length.
- You prefer a slightly stronger highway cruise, as indicated by its 31 MPG highway rating.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Keeping initial costs low is paramount, as the Kicks starts $7,565 cheaper at $22,430.
- Maximum cargo hauling is necessary, given its class-leading 30 cu ft capacity.
- You aim for the lowest running costs, capitalizing on its 4 MPG combined efficiency advantage.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 171.9" |
| Width | 74.7" | 70.9" |
| Height | 68.7" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 52.4 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
How much more powerful is the Outlander compared to the Kicks?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has a distinct power advantage, producing 181 horsepower, which is exactly 40 hp more than the 2026 Nissan Kicks’ 141 horsepower.
Is the significant price difference between the two crossovers justified?
The Outlander commands a $29,995 MSRP, which is $7,565 more than the Kicks' $22,430 price tag. Buyers must weigh this extra cost against the Outlander's superior power output.
Which crossover is substantially better for maximizing cargo space?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is vastly superior for cargo, offering 30 cu ft, which dwarfs the Outlander’s stated 10.9 cu ft capacity.
How do the fuel economy ratings compare for daily driving?
The Kicks holds a clear edge in efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined (28 city/35 highway) compared to the Outlander’s 27 MPG combined rating.
Are the transmissions drastically different in how they operate?
Both crossovers utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), suggesting similar driving feel for routine acceleration, though power delivery will differ due to the Outlander's higher torque rating.
Are either of these vehicles available with All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Outlander and the 2026 Kicks are listed with a front-wheel drive (FWD) orientation for these base trims.
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