2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$29,900 · Crossover

$24,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Picking a new compact crossover often boils down to balancing budget against perceived quality and capability. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts at a notably higher MSRP of $29,900 compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's $24,995, a difference of $4,905 right off the bat. While both offer standard All-Wheel Drive and hit a combined 26 MPG, the CX-50 pulls ahead significantly in performance, boasting 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque against the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft. Size matters too; the CX-50 is longer at 185.8 inches, translating directly into a much more usable 31.4 cu ft of cargo space versus the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cu ft. If maximizing horsepower and practicality is the goal, the added cost of the CX-50 might be justified over the smaller, more budget-focused Outlander Sport.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers a slightly better highway efficiency rating of 30 MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 29 MPG, making the longer commute marginally cheaper.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

With 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, the CX-50 provides nearly 10 cubic feet more storage than the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 delivers significantly more power with 187 hp compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport wins on initial outlay, being $4,905 cheaper than the CX-50 while matching its combined 26 MPG rating.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize a more engaging drive thanks to its 187 hp engine.
You frequently haul larger items and need the superior 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You prefer the proven reliability of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Sticking closely to a budget is paramount, given the $24,995 starting MSRP.
You prefer a slightly taller vehicle stance, as the Outlander Sport sits 64.8 inches high versus the CX-50's 63.5 inches.
Your priority is saving money, as it achieves the same 26 combined MPG as the Mazda but costs $4,905 less.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Length	185.8"	171.9"
Width	75.6"	71.3"
Height	63.5"	64.8"
Wheelbase	110.8"	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	✓	✓
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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	185 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	✓	—
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

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)	24/30 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	381.6/477.0 mi.	363.4/458.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 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	✓	✓
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	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	52.1 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	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	51.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	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-50 and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-50 worth the extra $4,905 over the Outlander Sport?

That depends on your priorities; the CX-50 offers 39 more horsepower (187 hp vs. 148 hp) and substantially more cargo room (31.4 cu ft vs. 21.7 cu ft). If you need power and space, the added cost is justifiable.

How do their fuel economy figures compare?

Both vehicles technically achieve the same 26 combined MPG, utilizing regular unleaded fuel. However, the CX-50 has a slight edge on the highway at 30 MPG, while the Outlander Sport manages 29 MPG.

Which vehicle is better for handling snowy conditions?

Both crossovers come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), suggesting capable handling in poor weather. The CX-50 is slightly wider at 75.6 inches, which might offer a different on-road feel than the narrower 71.3-inch Outlander Sport.

What is the main mechanical difference in their transmissions?

The Mazda CX-50 uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, often preferred for a more connected driving feel, while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

If I need maximum length for my gear, which car is bigger?

The Mazda CX-50 is the physically larger vehicle overall, measuring 185.8 inches in length compared to the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches. This extra length contributes heavily to its greater cargo volume.

Are both vehicles restricted to premium fuel?

No, both the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs consistent for both options.