Kia Sportage vs. Mitsubishi Outlander
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Kia Sportage and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
When we compare the Kia Sportage's and the Mitsubishi Outlander's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the area of reliability. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sportage's and the Mitsubishi Outlander's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sportage is a better car than the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Sportage loses 47.1 percent of its value and the Mitsubishi Outlander loses 51.1 percent of its value. This means the Kia Sportage retains 4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sportage is 8.2 out of 10 while the Mitsubishi Outlander's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sportage being ranked 7 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Mitsubishi Outlander being ranked 13 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Kia Sportage is ranked 17 and the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 37.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sportage is 7.5 out of 10. For the Mitsubishi Outlander the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Mitsubishi Outlander a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sportage’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Mitsubishi Outlander base engine makes 181 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Kia Sportage has higher safety ratings than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.26 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30461 - 39759
Starting MSRP:
28690
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34444
Price Range:
30642 - 40180
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.2 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sportage
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.085
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mitsubishi Outlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.176
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 18Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 20Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 54Ranking
15 out of / 54Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
31 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 33Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 12Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 54Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 33Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 54Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 33Ranking
33 out of / 33Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 66Ranking
53 out of / 66Ranking
57 out of / 66Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Summary 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.
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Pros and Cons
- Seven passenger capacity
- Low price point
- Plug-in hybrid availability
- Unrefined, underpowered driving dynamics
- Low-grade interior materials until 2022 model
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Sportage Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro Prestige
Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels
ES, SE, SEL, Trail Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.26 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
10.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
64.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3435 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
184.4 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3681 lbs
Width:
84.4 inches
Height:
68.7 inches
Length:
185.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black / Fusion Black
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Silver
Panthera Metal
White
Glacial White Pearl / Snow White Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Diamond / Labrador Black Pearl
Gray
Not available
Silver
Alloy Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond
Red
Red Diamond
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
