2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the $4,505 MSRP difference, with the Santa Cruz starting at $29,500 compared to the Outlander Sport's $24,995 entry price. This price delta accompanies a substantial 43 horsepower gap; the Santa Cruz delivers 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, while the Outlander Sport provides only 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Although the Santa Cruz is physically larger at 195.7 inches in length versus 171.9 inches, the smaller Outlander Sport achieves marginally better fuel economy, rated at 26 MPG combined compared to the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Outlander Sport offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) despite its lower starting cost, while the Santa Cruz is FWD in its base configuration. The transmission philosophy also differs, with Hyundai utilizing an 8-speed automatic versus Mitsubishi's CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins for commuting due to its slightly better 26 MPG combined rating and standard AWD capability at a lower initial cost.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is favored for families due to its significantly larger exterior dimensions, offering more substantial passenger space than the compact Outlander Sport.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts, delivering 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport provides superior base value, securing standard AWD for $4,505 less than the entry-level Santa Cruz.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You require 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque for quicker acceleration.
- You need the longer overall length of 195.7 inches for presumed greater interior or bed volume.
- You prefer the responsiveness and gear staging of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your primary concern is initial budget, as the MSRP is $24,995.
- You prioritize the standard inclusion of All-Wheel Drive over Front Wheel Drive.
- You need the highest possible fuel efficiency, netting 26 MPG combined versus 25 MPG combined.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 171.9" |
| Width | 75.0" | 71.3" |
| Height | 66.7" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 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 |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable 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) | 22/30 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
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 | 40.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 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 | 39.6 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Santa Cruz and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the key mechanical difference regarding drivetrain between the two crossovers?
The base 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz features Front Wheel Drive (FWD) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
How much more power does the Santa Cruz offer over the Outlander Sport?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz produces 191 horsepower, which is 43 horsepower more than the 148 horsepower generated by the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. This results in the Santa Cruz offering 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander Sport's 145 lb-ft.
Which vehicle offers better baseline fuel economy?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport holds a slight advantage with a combined rating of 26 MPG (23 city/29 highway). The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz rates at 25 MPG combined (22 city/30 highway).
What is the price difference between the base models?
There is a $4,505 price difference, as the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $29,500, while the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a lower starting MSRP of $24,995.
Comparing dimensions, which crossover is physically larger?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is notably larger, measuring 195.7 inches in length, 75.0 inches in width, and 66.7 inches in height. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is significantly more compact across all three measurements.
Does the smaller Outlander Sport offer competitive cargo space?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport specifies a listed Cargo Capacity of 21.7 cubic feet. The provided data for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz does not list its cargo capacity for a direct numerical comparison.
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