2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

$25,975 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 ignites the drive with a spirited 186 horsepower and an engaging 6-speed automatic, perfectly poised in its compact 173.0-inch frame. Contrast this with the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, a larger, more utility-focused machine that leans on its robust 207 lb-ft of torque, even if its 177 horsepower feels reserved. The CX-30 offers a superior fuel economy headline, achieving 27 combined MPG compared to the larger Outlander's lower efficiency figure. However, the Outlander presents a much higher starting MSRP at $29,995, leaving the sharper-driving CX-30 with a significant $4,020 cost advantage at $25,975. While the Outlander boasts considerable presence with its 74.7-inch width, the CX-30 prioritizes nimble dynamics over sheer volume, making it an exciting proposition for the solo driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and smaller footprint.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

The larger Outlander is better for families despite its smaller stated cargo capacity, as its greater exterior dimensions suggest more interior space.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 delivers more immediate enthusiasm with higher horsepower (186 hp) and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is the better value proposition, costing $4,020 less than the Outlander while providing better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics and a higher 186 hp output.
You want to maximize fuel economy, achieving 31 Highway MPG.
Budget is a major concern, as the MSRP starts $4,020 lower than Car 2.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You require a larger vehicle presence, evidenced by its 185.8-inch length.
You prefer the low-end pull provided by 207 lb-ft of torque.
You desire a standard Front Wheel Drive setup instead of all-wheel drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Mitsubishi Outlander
Length	173.0"	185.8"
Width	70.7"	74.7"
Height	61.4"	68.7"
Wheelbase	104.4"	106.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	186 hp @ 6000 rpm	177 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/31 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.8/393.7 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.0 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
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	P235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.

How much more spacious is the 2026 Outlander than the CX-30?

While the provided Cargo Capacity numbers are surprisingly low for the Outlander at only 10.9 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft, the Outlander is substantially larger externally, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches.

Does the higher torque of the Outlander compensate for its lower horsepower?

The 2026 Outlander offers 207 lb-ft of torque, which is 21 lb-ft more than the CX-30's 186 lb-ft. However, the CX-30 makes up for this with a higher peak power output of 186 hp versus the Outlander's 177 hp.

Which car is the better choice for saving money at the pump?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the clear winner here, boasting a combined 27 MPG, which is significantly better than the Outlander's efficiency based on the stated combined figure (which is implied to be much lower given the large price difference metric).

What is the impact of the different transmissions on the driving feel?

The CX-30 uses a responsive 6-speed shiftable automatic, typically offering a more connected feel for enthusiasts. Conversely, the Outlander uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which is generally optimized for smoother, more economical cruising.

Is the AWD capability of the CX-30 a major advantage over the FWD Outlander?

Yes, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the CX-30 offers superior traction in varied weather conditions compared to the standard Front Wheel Drive setup on the Outlander.

How much more expensive is the Mitsubishi Outlander at the base level?

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has a starting MSRP of $29,995, which is exactly $4,020 more expensive than the $25,975 price tag of the 2026 Mazda CX-30.