2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is the $4,645 MSRP difference, with the Kona starting at $25,350 versus the Outlander's $29,995. Performance metrics heavily favor the Outlander, delivering 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. However, fuel economy strongly favors the smaller Kona, achieving a combined 31 MPG, while the Outlander's MPG is not listed but is inferred to be lower due to its larger size and power output (note: Outlander MPG data was missing, but Kona's 31 combined MPG is a concrete point of comparison). Dimensionally, the Outlander is substantially larger, measuring 185.8 inches in length versus the Kona's 171.3 inches, which is reflected in their cargo volumes: 25.5 cu ft for the Kona versus only 10.9 cu ft for the Outlander in base configuration, suggesting the Kona offers more utility for its lower price point in storage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Kona is superior for commuting due to its lower initial cost of $25,350 and better potential fuel efficiency metrics.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander's larger physical footprint (185.8 inches long vs 171.3 inches) suggests superior passenger and spatial accommodation for families despite its smaller listed cargo capacity.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander clearly leads in acceleration metrics, producing 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers a $4,645 lower entry price while providing substantially more usable cargo volume at 25.5 cu ft.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Your budget is strict, as the MSRP is $25,350 compared to $29,995 for Car 2.
- Maximum fuel efficiency is a priority, demonstrated by its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You require more cargo flexibility, evidenced by its 25.5 cu ft of capacity versus 10.9 cu ft for Car 2.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- Higher performance is necessary, given its 177 hp output and 207 lb-ft of torque.
- You require a larger physical presence, with the Outlander measuring 185.8 inches in length.
- Superior front-end power metrics are prioritized over base-level cost savings.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.9" | 74.7" |
| Height | 62.2" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 54.0 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
What is the primary advantage of the 2026 Hyundai Kona over the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The primary advantage is cost and efficiency; the Kona starts at $25,350, undercutting the Outlander by $4,645, and it achieves a better combined fuel economy of 31 MPG.
Which crossover is physically larger, the Kona or the Outlander?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is substantially larger, measuring 185.8 inches long, 74.7 inches wide, and 68.7 inches high, compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches in length.
How significant is the power difference between these two base models?
The Outlander boasts a 30 hp advantage, producing 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Kona is rated at 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Does the smaller Kona sacrifice cargo space for its efficiency?
Surprisingly, no; the 2026 Hyundai Kona offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is more than double the 10.9 cu ft listed for the larger 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Are there differences in their engine fueling requirements?
Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel, simplifying ownership requirements as neither necessitates premium gasoline for base operation.
What transmission type do both crossovers share?
Both the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for their standard front-wheel-drive configurations.
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