Compare the2022 Kia NiroVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

Both the Niro and the Outlander have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

There are over 2 times as many Kia dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Niro’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Niro’s reliability 37 points higher than the Outlander.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia third in reliability, above the industry average. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 5 places higher in reliability than Mitsubishi.

The Niro’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 14 lbs.-ft. more torque (195 vs. 181) than the Outlander’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Niro gets better mileage than the Outlander:

Regenerative brakes improve the Niro’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Outlander doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the Niro’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. The Outlander doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Kia Niro higher (7 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Outlander (6 to 7). This means the Niro produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Outlander every 15,000 miles.

For better maneuverability, the Niro’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Outlander’s (34.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

The Kia Niro may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 550 pounds less than the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Niro is 1 foot, 1.9 inches shorter than the Outlander, making the Niro easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Niro is 7.9 inches shorter in height than the Outlander, making the Niro much easier to wash and garage and drive (lower center of gravity).

For excellent aerodynamics, the Niro has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Niro has a much larger cargo volume than the Outlander with its rear seat up (19.4 vs. 11.7 cubic feet).

The Niro’s standard front power windows lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Outlander’s standard power windows’ passenger windows don’t open automatically.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Niro EX Premium keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Niro, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander isn't recommended.