2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ignites excitement with its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability and a punchier 148 horsepower, making it the adventurous pick ready for slippery roads, despite its 26 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Kicks captivates buyers with its stunning frugality, achieving an excellent 31 MPG combined, making it the urban champion for long-term savings. While the Outlander Sport commands a slightly higher entry price of $24,995, the Kicks undercuts it substantially at $22,430. Performance-wise, the horsepower gap is small, with the Kicks offering 141 hp to the Mitsubishi’s 148 hp, but the Kicks boasts a massive 30 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet, proving that efficiency and utility can sometimes outweigh raw power in this competitive compact segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG.
2026 Nissan Kicks
Families will favor the Kicks for its significantly larger 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport’s 21.7 cubic feet.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts because its standard All-Wheel Drive offers superior traction and handling stability over the front-wheel-drive Kicks.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks offers better value, priced lower at $22,430 while delivering superior fuel efficiency metrics.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You frequently encounter inclement weather and require the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prioritize slightly higher power output, benefiting from 148 hp over the Kicks' 141 hp.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Outlander Sport is 0.6 inches higher at 64.8 inches.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Your top priority is maximizing fuel savings with an excellent 31 MPG combined rating.
- You need maximum utility for gear or groceries, thanks to the segment-leading 30 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You want to save upfront costs, as the Kicks starts at a lower MSRP of $22,430.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.3" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.8" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 52.4 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 | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
Which crossover offers the best mileage for highway driving?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear efficiency leader, rated for 35 MPG on the highway, significantly surpassing the Outlander Sport’s 29 MPG highway rating. This 6 MPG difference means fewer stops at the pump for Kicks owners.
How much more horsepower does the Outlander Sport actually have?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport produces 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, giving it a marginal edge over the Kicks’ 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. While noticeable on paper, both utilize continuously variable-speed automatic transmissions.
Is the difference in cargo space significant between the two?
Yes, the difference is substantial; the Kicks provides 30 cubic feet of storage, whereas the Outlander Sport trails with 21.7 cubic feet. That nearly 8.3 cubic feet difference is ample room for extra luggage or larger grocery hauls.
Does the Outlander Sport’s AWD justify its higher price?
For buyers in snowy or slippery environments, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the $24,995 Outlander Sport is a key justification for the price premium over the FWD Kicks. It offers superior grip when roads get challenging.
Are both vehicles running on the same type of fuel?
Both the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Nissan Kicks are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, keeping operational costs low for both platforms.
What are the overall dimensions like for parking?
Both crossovers share an identical length of 171.9 inches, meaning they will fit into compact spaces similarly. The Kicks is slightly narrower (70.9 inches vs. 71.3 inches) and shorter (64.2 inches vs. 64.8 inches).
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