2018 Mitsubishi Outlander vs. 2018 Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2018 Kia Sorento contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2018 Kia Sorento.
When we compare the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander's and the 2018 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. The 2018 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander's and the 2018 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is a better car than the 2018 Kia Sorento.
Pricing: A used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander ranges from $9,999 to $20,160 while a used 2018 Kia Sorento is priced between $12,721 to $22,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander loses 45.3 percent of its value and the 2018 Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander retains 2.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Kia Sorento.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 8.1 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Mitsubishi Outlander being ranked 22 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Kia Sorento being ranked 15 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 31 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 23.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Mitsubishi Outlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander’s base engine makes 166 horsepower, and the 2018 Kia Sorento base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Outlander is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 498 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 526 miles.This gives the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2018 Kia Sorento the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2018 Kia Sorento, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Kia Sorento has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, with an average rating of 4.49 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.41 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,945
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,370
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,550 - $27,895
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,309
Price Range:
$9,999 - $20,160
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,697
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$15,309 - $27,261
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
110
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
94,978
# Good or Great Deals:
45
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,479
Price Range:
$12,721 - $22,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
303
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
90,503
# Good or Great Deals:
130
Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.4 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
4.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
23.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.9 - 13
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
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7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 20Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 59Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 39Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 59Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 67Summary Review
The Outlander from Mitsubishi is a compact SUV with seating for up to 7 people. It was redesigned for 2022 with substantial improvements to its interior quality, refinement and overall execution, though engine power remains adequate at best. Previous Outlanders were offered in three basic flavors: the Outlander Sport, a smaller, two-row model, the Outlander, a somewhat larger three-row version, and the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid option. The previous Outlander and Outlander Sport models were introduced in 2011, and the Outlander PHEV was introduced in 2014. New models of the Mitsubishi Outlander cost an average of $32,039 and 3-year-old models average $18,676.
Summary Review
Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.
Pros and Cons
- Seven passenger capacity
- Low price point
- Plug-in hybrid availability
- Unrefined, underpowered driving dynamics
- Low-grade interior materials until 2022 model
Pros and Cons
- Available in past years with two or three rows of seats
- High safety scores
- 2020 and older models showing their age
- Smaller than many midsize vehicles in this segment
- Past models had low reliability scores
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels
ES, GT, LE, SE, SEL
2018 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, EX V6, L, LX, LX V6, SX Limited V6, SX V6
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.41 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
166 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
162 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 30 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
415 / 498 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
395 / 526 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Cargo Space:
10.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
138.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Cargo Space:
38.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
185.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3351 lbs
Width:
71.3 inches
Height:
67.3 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3704 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
187.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Labrador Black Metallic
Blue
Cosmic Blue Metallic
Brown
Quartz Brown Metallic
Gray
Mercury Gray Metallic
Red
Rally Red Metallic
Silver
Alloy Silver Metallic
White
Diamond White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Sparkling Silver / Titanium Silver
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Satin Black
