VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
77 kW
Torque
250 Nm
141 Nm
Fuel
5.3 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
0-100 km/h
13.1 s
13.6 s
Engine
1493 cc
1499 cc
Choosing between the KIA Carens and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Carens delivers 85 kW while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport produces 77 kW. On fuel, the Carens returns 5.3 l/100km while the Outlander Sport uses 6.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 995 for the Carens and R499 990 for the Outlander Sport. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
KIA Carens1.5d AT EX 2026 - From R499 995
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport1.5 Exceed CVT 2025 - From R499 990
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
77 kW
Torque
250 Nm
141 Nm
0-100 kph
13.1 s
13.6 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1493 cc
1499 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
-
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3 l/100km
6.2 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 l
42 l
CO2 Emissions
139 g/km
146 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4550 mm
4390 mm
Width
1800 mm
1810- mm
Height
1734 mm
1660 mm
Wheelbase
2780 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
180 mm
193 mm
Kerb Weight
1488 Kg
1250 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Load Capacity
562 lkg
480 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
3yr
3yr
Service Plan Distance
45000km
45000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Carens
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Carens
Fuel Economy
Carens
Value
Tied
Practicality
Carens
Pros & Cons
KIA Carens
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.3 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (13.1 ss)
Higher starting price
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Lower starting price (R499 990)
Higher fuel consumption (6.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 85 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Carens or Outlander Sport?
The Carens uses 5.3 l/100km and the Outlander Sport uses 6.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Carens is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Carens or Outlander Sport?
The Carens produces 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the Outlander Sport delivers 77 kW and 141 Nm of torque. The Carens is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Carens and Outlander Sport?
The Carens starts from R499 995 and the Outlander Sport from R499 990, a difference of just R5, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Carens or the Outlander Sport?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.