2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Kona explodes onto the scene with sleek, futuristic styling and superior fuel economy, achieving an excellent 31 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG. While the Kona offers an efficient 29/34 city/highway split on regular unleaded, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capabilities and a slightly punchier torque output of 145 lb-ft compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft. Despite both vehicles being remarkably similar in length (Kona at 171.3 inches, Outlander Sport at 171.9 inches), the Kona maximizes interior utility, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space against the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cubic feet. The Kona edges out the Outlander Sport on efficiency, but the Outlander Sport provides foundational traction right out of the box, starting at a slightly lower MSRP of $24,995.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its significantly better 31 combined MPG rating.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Kona provides more usable space with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is preferred by enthusiasts for its standard All-Wheel Drive and higher torque figure of 145 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers better long-term savings through its 5 MPG fuel economy advantage, despite a slightly higher starting MSRP of $25,350.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize efficiency and need the highest possible mileage, netting 34 MPG on the highway.
- You need maximum storage in a compact footprint, as the Kona provides 25.5 cu ft of cargo room.
- You prefer the smooth, predictable operation of a Continuously Variable Transmission paired with FWD for city driving.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Year-round confidence in slick conditions is mandatory, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You demand slightly more pulling power off the line, benefiting from 145 lb-ft of torque.
- You are seeking the absolute lowest barrier to entry with an MSRP of $24,995.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.3" |
| Height | 62.2" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 15.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
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 Sport.
Which crossover handles bad weather better between the 2026 Kona and Outlander Sport?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is superior for adverse weather as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, offering better traction. The 2026 Hyundai Kona only features Front Wheel Drive.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy?
The difference is quite noticeable; the Kona achieves 31 combined MPG, which is 5 MPG better than the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG rating.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona more powerful than the Mitsubishi?
Neither vehicle is a powerhouse, but the Outlander Sport has a slight edge in torque with 145 lb-ft compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft, though both produce 147/148 horsepower respectively.
Which vehicle offers more space for luggage?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides notably more space, boasting 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The Outlander Sport is constrained to 21.7 cubic feet.
Are there any major pricing differences between these two base models?
The difference is marginal at the starting point, with the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport priced at $24,995, slightly undercutting the 2026 Hyundai Kona's $25,350 MSRP.
Do either of these crossovers use premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands higher running costs, as both the Kona and the Outlander Sport are specified to run happily on regular unleaded fuel.
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