2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 fires the first shot with its thrilling 186 hp Skyactiv-G engine, offering a distinctly spirited drive compared to the more pragmatic 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 148 hp output. The Mazda champions dynamism, boasting superior performance metrics even though it starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $25,975. The Outlander Sport counters with utility and affordability, presenting a lower entry point at $24,995 and marginally better cargo space at 21.7 cu ft versus the CX-30’s 20.2 cu ft. Both offer standard All-Wheel Drive, though the Mazda achieves 27 MPG combined compared to the Mitsubishi's 26 MPG combined. While the Mazda leverages a traditional 6-speed automatic for better driver engagement, the Mitsubishi utilizes a CVT, emphasizing smooth, if less exciting, efficiency for daily driving tasks.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30’s superior combined 27 MPG and livelier power delivery make the daily grind more engaging.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport offers slightly more utility with 21.7 cu ft of cargo capacity and a lower starting price.
2026 Mazda CX-30
With 38 more horsepower (186 hp vs 148 hp) and a traditional automatic transmission, the CX-30 promises a far more rewarding driving experience.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport undercuts the CX-30 on price by nearly $1,000 while still providing standard AWD.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize driving dynamics and responsiveness over maximum cargo volume.
- You want the higher performance derived from 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the predictable shifting nature of a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing upfront cost with an MSRP of $24,995.
- You need slightly more usable storage space, specifically 21.7 cu ft.
- You are comfortable with a Continuously Variable Transmission for smoother city driving.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 171.9" |
| Width | 70.7" | 71.3" |
| Height | 61.4" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.4" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 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 | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/31 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.8/393.7 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 gal. | 15.8 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 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 | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 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 | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/65R16 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
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 Sport.
Is the difference in horsepower significant between the two crossovers?
Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 produces 186 hp, which is a commanding 38 hp more than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s 148 hp. This power gap translates directly into better acceleration and passing power on the highway.
Which vehicle is better for fuel economy on long trips?
The Mazda CX-30 holds a slight edge with its Highway MPG rating of 31 MPG compared to the Outlander Sport’s 29 MPG. Both run happily on regular unleaded fuel.
How do the overall sizes compare for tight city parking?
The Mazda CX-30 is marginally smaller overall, measuring 173.0 inches long and 70.7 inches wide. The Outlander Sport is slightly taller at 64.8 inches, which might aid in ingress/egress but slightly increases its overall profile.
Does the transmission type affect the driving feel?
Significantly, the CX-30 uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic, offering defined gears that enthusiasts appreciate. In contrast, the Outlander Sport uses a CVT, designed for seamless power delivery which some drivers find less engaging.
Which car provides more cargo room for hauling gear?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport wins the utility contest here, offering 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Mazda CX-30 trails slightly with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive standard?
Yes, both the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport come standard with All-Wheel Drive, making them suitable for varied weather conditions right out of the box.
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