Compare the2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVVS 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Outlander PHEV. But it costs extra on the Sorento Hybrid.

The Outlander PHEV GT has a standard Multi View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Sorento Hybrid only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

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

The Outlander PHEV’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Sorento Hybrid’s (7/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

The battery on the Outlander PHEV is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Outlander PHEV’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Sorento Hybrid’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked 6th.

On the EPA test cycle the Outlander PHEV running on electricity gets better mileage than the Sorento Hybrid:

The Outlander PHEV can drive on battery power alone for up to 24 miles. The Sorento Hybrid must run its internal combustion engine to move.

The Outlander PHEV has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Sorento Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Outlander PHEV’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sorento Hybrid S’ standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Outlander PHEV has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Sorento Hybrid S.

For better maneuverability, the Outlander PHEV’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the Sorento Hybrid’s (35.6 feet vs. 37.9 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Outlander PHEV has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Sorento Hybrid (7.3 vs. 6.85 inches), allowing the Outlander PHEV to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Outlander PHEV is 4.6 inches shorter than the Sorento Hybrid, making the Outlander PHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Outlander PHEV has a much larger cargo volume than the Sorento Hybrid with its rear seat up (30.4 vs. 12.6 cubic feet).

The Outlander PHEV’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sorento Hybrid’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

The Outlander PHEV’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Sorento Hybrid’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

On extremely cold winter days, the Outlander PHEV GT’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Sorento Hybrid doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Outlander PHEV GT has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Sorento Hybrid doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.