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Compare the2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport VS 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Safety

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Sportage Hybrid doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Outlander Sport has standard Active Front Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Front Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Sportage Hybrid doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the Outlander Sport and the Sportage Hybrid 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, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

Warranty

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

Fuel Economy and Range

The Outlander Sport has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sportage Hybrid (15.8 vs. 13.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

The Outlander Sport 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 Sportage Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

Tires and Wheels

The Outlander Sport ES/LE/SE/GT’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sportage Hybrid EX/SX-Prestige’s 60 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

For better maneuverability, the Outlander Sport’s turning circle is 3.8 feet tighter than the Sportage Hybrid’s (34.8 feet vs. 38.6 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Outlander Sport has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Sportage Hybrid (8.5 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the Outlander Sport to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 450 pounds less than the Kia Sportage Hybrid.

The Outlander Sport is 11.6 inches shorter than the Sportage Hybrid, making the Outlander Sport easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Ergonomics

The Outlander Sport’s driver’s power window opens or closes with one touch of the window control, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths. The Sportage Hybrid’s standard driver’s power window switch has to be held the entire time to close it fully.

The Outlander Sport’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 Sportage Hybrid’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Outlander Sport’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Kia charges extra for heated mirrors on the Sportage Hybrid.

Economic Advantages

The Outlander Sport will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Outlander Sport will retain 47.78% to 49.36% of its original price after five years, while the Sportage Hybrid only retains 45.41% to 46.07%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will be $5438 to $7589 less than for the Kia Sportage Hybrid.