2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

$29,900 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the sharp driving feel of the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the taller, more practical dimensions of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander can be tricky when starting prices are so close—the CX-50 starts at $29,900 and the Outlander at $29,995. The core difference lies in capability versus efficiency. The CX-50 offers superior fuel economy, achieving a combined 26 MPG from its 187 hp engine, beating the Outlander's efficiency. Conversely, the Outlander is significantly taller at 68.7 inches compared to the CX-50's 63.5 inches, suggesting more headroom or potentially a more upright stance. While both share the same length of 185.8 inches, the Outlander has a surprising cargo deficit, offering only 10.9 cu ft versus the Mazda's healthy 31.4 cu ft. The choice boils down to whether you prioritize the standard All-Wheel Drive and better efficiency of the Mazda or the Outlander's unique footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy rating of 26 combined MPG and standard all-wheel drive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander is the likely family choice because its 68.7-inch height suggests more interior passenger space, despite its very small 10.9 cu ft cargo area.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 187 hp output and standard 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers better long-term value by including standard AWD and achieving better fuel economy for $95 less upfront.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You want better standard capability, as the CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
Fuel efficiency is a priority, given its 26 combined MPG rating while using regular unleaded gas.
You prefer a traditional driving feel, benefiting from the 187 hp engine paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You need maximum vertical room, as the Outlander stands 68.7 inches tall, significantly more than the CX-50's 63.5 inches.
You are looking for higher low-end pulling power, as the Outlander produces 207 lb-ft of torque.
You are comfortable with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for maximizing driving smoothness.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Mitsubishi Outlander
Length	185.8"	185.8"
Width	75.6"	74.7"
Height	63.5"	68.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	177 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

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)	24/30 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/477.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	10.3 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
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	54.0 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	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-50 and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.

How does the cargo space compare between the CX-50 and the Outlander?

The Mazda CX-50 has a significantly larger specified cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet. In contrast, the Mitsubishi Outlander lists a surprisingly small 10.9 cubic feet of cargo space in this configuration, which is a major differentiator.

Is there a noticeable difference in power output between these two crossovers?

Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 leads in horsepower with 187 hp compared to the Outlander’s 177 hp. However, the Outlander counters with higher torque at 207 lb-ft versus the Mazda's 185 lb-ft.

Which vehicle is better for highway driving based on the MPG specs?

The Mazda CX-50 is projected to be more fuel-efficient, achieving 30 MPG on the highway versus the Outlander's unspecified highway rating but a combined 26 MPG. The 26 MPG combined figure for the Mazda suggests better overall gas mileage.

Why would someone choose the Mitsubishi Outlander despite its lower listed cargo capacity?

Buyers might choose the Outlander primarily for its height (68.7 inches), which suggests a higher seating position or potentially better headroom, despite the smaller cargo volume listed here.

Are both vehicles equipped with All-Wheel Drive standard?

No, only the 2026 Mazda CX-50 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is listed with Front Wheel Drive as its standard configuration.