Compare the2023 Hyundai Tucson HybridVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Tucson Hybrid are reminded to check the back seat if they opened the rear door before starting out. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Tucson Hybrid Limited has standard Reverse Collision-Avoidance Assist that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

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

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Tucson Hybrid’s standard Downhill Brake Control allows you to creep down safely. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer Downhill Brake Control.

The Tucson Hybrid Limited has a standard Around View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Outlander Sport 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.

The Tucson Hybrid has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the Outlander Sport SE/GT offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Tucson Hybrid has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Outlander Sport SE/GT has a rear cross-path warning system.

The Tucson Hybrid’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The Tucson Hybrid has a standard Blue Link, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Tucson Hybrid and the Outlander Sport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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 and rearview cameras.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is safer than the Outlander Sport:

	Tucson Hybrid	Outlander Sport
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	77	84
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	1 cm	1 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	23 cm	28 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Tibia index R/L	.68/.55	.68/.36
Tibia forces R/L	1.4/.2 kN	1.9/1.9 kN

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Tucson Hybrid its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 92 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Outlander Sport is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick.”

Warranty

The Tucson Hybrid’s 7 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Outlander Sport runs out after 100,000 miles.

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tucson Hybrid for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Hyundai will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mitsubishi doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Outlander Sport.

There are almost 3 times as many Hyundai dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Tucson Hybrid’s warranty.

Reliability

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 Tucson Hybrid’s reliability 44 points higher than the Outlander Sport.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. With 41 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Hyundai higher than Mitsubishi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 14th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Hyundai 14 places higher in reliability than Mitsubishi.

Engine

The Tucson Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 78 more horsepower (226 vs. 148) and 113 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 145) than the Outlander Sport’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Tucson Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 58 more horsepower (226 vs. 168) and 91 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 167) than the Outlander Sport GT’s standard 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder:

	Tucson Hybrid	Outlander Sport
Zero to 60 MPH	7.1 sec	9.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	19 sec	32 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.5 sec	10.2 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	17.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91 MPH	79 MPH
Top Speed	122 MPH	113 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Tucson Hybrid gets better mileage than the Outlander Sport:

			MPG
Tucson Hybrid
	AWD	Blue 1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/38 hwy
		1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	37 city/36 hwy
Outlander Sport
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy
		2.4 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/28 hwy

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Tucson Hybrid’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 Sport doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid higher (7 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (5). This means the Tucson Hybrid produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Outlander Sport every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Tucson Hybrid’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Outlander Sport:

	Tucson Hybrid	Outlander Sport
Front Rotors	12.8 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12 inches	11.9 inches

The Tucson Hybrid stops much shorter than the Outlander Sport:

	Tucson Hybrid	Outlander Sport
70 to 0 MPH	167 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	132 feet	137 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	135 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Tucson Hybrid has larger tires than the Outlander Sport (235/65R17 vs. 215/70R16). The Tucson Hybrid Blue’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Outlander Sport (235/65R17 vs. 225/55R18).

The Tucson Hybrid Blue’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander Sport S’ standard 70 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tucson Hybrid Blue has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Outlander Sport S. The Tucson Hybrid SEL/Limited’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Outlander Sport ES/LE/SE/GT.

Suspension and Handling

The Tucson Hybrid has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Outlander Sport’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tucson Hybrid’s wheelbase is 3.4 inches longer than on the Outlander Sport (108.5 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Tucson Hybrid is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 3.4 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Outlander Sport.

The Tucson Hybrid Limited handles at .84 G’s, while the Outlander Sport SE 4WD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Tucson Hybrid Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Outlander Sport SE 4WD (27.4 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 29 seconds @ .55 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the Tucson Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Tucson Hybrid has 10.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander Sport (107.9 vs. 97.5).

The Tucson Hybrid has .7 inches more front headroom, 2.4 inches more front hip room, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.6 inches more rear headroom, 5 inches more rear legroom, 2.3 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander Sport.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Tucson Hybrid’s rear seats recline. The Outlander Sport’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Tucson Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Outlander Sport with its rear seat up (38.7 vs. 21.7 cubic feet). The Tucson Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Outlander Sport with its rear seat folded (74.5 vs. 49.5 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Tucson Hybrid’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Tucson Hybrid SEL Convenience/Limited’s power liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Tucson Hybrid’s power liftgate can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Towing

The Tucson Hybrid has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Outlander Sport has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tucson Hybrid uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Tucson Hybrid Limited, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer memory seats.

The Tucson Hybrid Limited’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Tucson Hybrid’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Outlander Sport has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the Tucson Hybrid and the Outlander Sport have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Tucson Hybrid is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Outlander Sport prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Tucson Hybrid’s front power windows 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 Outlander Sport’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

On a hot day the Tucson Hybrid’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander Sport can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Tucson Hybrid has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Outlander Sport only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Tucson Hybrid has standard extendable sun visors. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Tucson Hybrid has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the Outlander Sport LE/SE/GT. The Tucson Hybrid Limited also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Outlander Sport.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Tucson Hybrid Limited keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

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

The Tucson Hybrid’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Tucson Hybrid and the Outlander Sport offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Tucson Hybrid has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Tucson Hybrid has a standard Smart Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid SEL/Limited has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Tucson Hybrid Limited’s Remote Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Park Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Tucson Hybrid owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Tucson Hybrid will cost $150 to $2635 less than the Outlander Sport over a five-year period.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® chose the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Tucson Hybrid third among compact suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Outlander Sport isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Hyundai Tucson outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport by over four to one during the 2021 model year.