VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
174hp @ 5000
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
206lb-ft @ 3000
Towing
3500lbs
2000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
1.5 L/91cc
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Mitsubishi Outlander produces 174hp @ 5000. Pricing starts at $42,090 for the Sorento and $32,345 for the Outlander. 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
174hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
206lb-ft @ 3000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
1.5 L/91cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
12gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
185.8in
Width (in)
74.8in
84.4in
Height (in)
66.7in
68.8in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
106.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3979lbs
3703lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
2000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Outlander
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher starting price
Mitsubishi Outlander
Lower starting price ($32,345)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sorento or Outlander?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Outlander delivers 174hp @ 5000 and 206lb-ft @ 3000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Outlander?
The Sorento starts from $42,090 and the Outlander from $32,345. The Outlander is cheaper by $9,745 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Outlander?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Outlander can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Outlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.