VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
174hp @ 5000
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
206lb-ft @ 3000
Fuel
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
1653lbs
2000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
1.5 L/91ci
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Mitsubishi Outlander produces 174hp @ 5000. On fuel, the Sportage returns 29 mpg est. while the Outlander uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $28,690 for the Sportage and $40,845 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.
Specification
KIA SportageLX FWD 2026 - From $28,690
Mitsubishi OutlanderSEL S-AWC 2026 - From $40,845
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
174hp @ 5000
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
206lb-ft @ 3000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
1.5 L/91ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
—
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
25 (2025)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33 (2025)mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
12gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
185.8in
Width (in)
73.4in
84.4in
Height (in)
65.4in
68.8in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
106.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
3962lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1653lbs
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sportage
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sportage
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Outlander
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($28,690)
Few notable weaknesses
Mitsubishi Outlander
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Outlander?
The Sportage gets 29 mpg est. and the Outlander gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sportage 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 Sportage or Outlander?
The Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Outlander delivers 174hp @ 5000 and 206lb-ft @ 3000 of torque. The Sportage is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Outlander?
The Sportage starts from $28,690 and the Outlander from $40,845. The Sportage is cheaper by $12,155 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Outlander?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs and the Outlander can tow 2000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage 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.