2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant divergence between the 2025 Nissan Kicks (car1) and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (car2) is fuel economy, with the Kicks achieving a combined 31 MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG, a 5 MPG advantage. This efficiency gain supports the Kicks' superior value proposition, evidenced by its $21,830 MSRP, which undercuts the Outlander Sport's $24,995 starting price by $3,165. Despite the price difference, the Outlander Sport offers marginally superior performance metrics, boasting 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque versus the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. However, the Kicks provides greater utility with 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize a CVT transmission and run on regular unleaded fuel, but the Outlander Sport includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) while the Kicks is FWD.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks provides better daily running costs due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks offers 30 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially more usable space than the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport delivers higher peak output with 148 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks has a $3,165 lower MSRP and delivers 5 MPG better efficiency, creating a stronger overall cost-of-ownership metric.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel expenses, given the 31 MPG combined rating.
- You require maximum cargo volume, as 30 cu ft significantly outweighs the competitor's capacity.
- A budget constraint dictates an MSRP under $22,000, with the Kicks starting at $21,830.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Standard All-Wheel Drive is a necessary prerequisite for managing varied road conditions.
- Slightly elevated power figures, such as 148 horsepower, are preferred over efficiency.
- You can justify the extra $3,165 for the Outlander Sport’s unique packaging and specifications.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 171.9" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.3" |
| Height | 64.2" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the practical impact of the difference in cargo volume?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks offers 30 cubic feet of cargo space, providing 8.3 cubic feet more room than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. This difference equates to a significant advantage for hauling larger items or extra luggage for family trips.
How does the drivetrain difference affect driving dynamics?
The Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which generally improves traction in low-grip situations. Conversely, the Kicks is strictly Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), optimized primarily for efficiency on paved roads.
Is the Outlander Sport’s higher MSRP justified by its power output?
The Outlander Sport costs $3,165 more, but offers only 7 more horsepower (148 hp vs 141 hp) and 5 more lb-ft of torque (145 vs 140). The performance increase is minimal relative to the premium paid.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for highway commuting?
The Kicks excels on the highway with a 35 MPG rating compared to the Outlander Sport’s 29 MPG highway rating. This 6 MPG advantage translates to fewer stops for refueling over long distances.
Are these vehicles dimensionally similar in size?
Yes, the vehicles are nearly identical in footprint; both share the same 171.9-inch length. The Outlander Sport is slightly wider (71.3 inches vs 70.9 inches) and taller (64.8 inches vs 64.2 inches).
Do both crossovers require the same type of fuel?
Both the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are specified to operate using regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires the expense of premium gasoline.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool