2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$28,145 · Crossover

$24,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

So, you're torn between the versatile 2026 Ford Maverick and the budget-friendly 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The biggest hurdle is balancing capability against upfront cost. The Maverick commands a higher starting MSRP of $28,145 compared to the Outlander Sport's $24,995, a $3,150 gap. However, the Maverick offers significantly more power with 191 hp versus the Outlander Sport's 148 hp, and dramatically better fuel economy, achieving 38 combined MPG versus the Mitsubishi's 26 combined MPG. While the Maverick is slightly larger in every dimension (nearly 200 inches long versus 171.9 inches), this difference translates into better efficiency for the Maverick's FWD setup. If daily running costs are a priority, the 12 MPG advantage the Ford holds over the Mitsubishi is substantial, even if the Outlander Sport does offer standard AWD.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick wins for commuters due to its impressive 38 combined MPG rating, significantly reducing weekly fuel stops.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is better suited for families needing year-round capability due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

With 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, the Maverick offers 43 more horsepower for a more engaging driving experience than the Outlander Sport.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP that is $3,150 cheaper than the Ford Maverick.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency and want to average 38 combined MPG.
You need more performance, as the Maverick delivers 191 hp.
You prefer the longer platform, as the Maverick measures 199.8 inches in length.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Keeping the purchase price low is essential, starting at just $24,995.
You require All-Wheel Drive standard for inclement weather.
You need slightly easier maneuverability with a shorter length of 171.9 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Length	199.8"	171.9"
Width	72.6"	71.3"
Height	68.8"	64.8"
Wheelbase	121.1"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front 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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	155 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	Ford	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	electrically variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	363.4/458.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	15.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 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	Ford	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	51.6 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	P215/70R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Mitsubishi
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

What is the main performance difference between the 2026 Maverick and the 2026 Outlander Sport?

The 2026 Ford Maverick is significantly more powerful, boasting 191 hp compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp. This 43 hp difference means the Maverick will feel much quicker off the line.

Which crossover offers better long-term running costs?

The 2026 Ford Maverick is the winner here, achieving 38 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG. This 12 MPG advantage translates to substantial savings over the vehicle's lifespan.

Is the extra cost of the Maverick justified by its size?

The Maverick is notably larger, measuring 199.8 inches long compared to the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches. While it costs $3,150 more, this size difference likely contributes to its superior efficiency and potentially more usable interior space.

If I live where it snows often, which vehicle is better equipped?

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it an immediate advantage over the Maverick's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration for slick conditions.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?

Yes, both the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline.

How much space do I lose by choosing the cheaper Outlander Sport?

While the Maverick's cargo capacity isn't listed, the Outlander Sport offers 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Choosing the cheaper Mitsubishi means potentially sacrificing some overall hauling capability compared to the Maverick.