Compact SUVs are all the rage with their higher seating positions, all-season capabilities, and versatility. However, some brands are light-years ahead of the competition. The 2024 Kia Sportage and 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport represent disparate opportunities. Let’s compare these two small SUVs.
2024 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage received a complete redesign last year, and it’s still riding high with a sharp design and an interior that has won praise from most critics. These looks, in conjunction with an industry-leading warranty, have raised Kia’s profile with the buying public. The standard powertrain in the Kia Sportage gets an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg. Pricing starts at $28,565, including the destination charge.
Kia Sportage Highlights
Great space: Kia designers create some of the best interiors, and the Sportage’s luxurious cabin certainly supports that notion. Its classy interior features include dual panoramic displays and available aluminum pedals.
Top warranty: Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty are industry leaders. It’s peace of mind knowing you can keep the Sportage for a decade, and if something falters, there will be some assistance.
Three powertrain options: The Kia Sportage offers one of the most varied lineups in the compact SUV class, with gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Not only are there three options, but they’re all reasonably priced.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models for sale near you.
2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The new Outlander Sport is much the same as the previous version … and the one before. That said, the exterior has aged well, so it’s still an attractive small SUV. It makes up for what it lacks in power and technology with simplicity and value. It also boasts an impressive warranty that matches the Kia Sportage.
That said, it does make All-Wheel Control — its version of all-wheel drive — standard equipment across the lineup. You can also punch up the standard 148-hp 4-cylinder for another 20 ponies. Its small stature and lighter weight make it an appealing combination. The Outlander Sport comes in five trim levels: 2.0 S, 2.0 ES, 2.0 LE, 2.0 SE, and 2.4 SEL. Pricing starts at $25,300, including destination charge.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Highlights
Trail Edition: Mitsubishi’s Trail Edition package gives you the look and the equipment needed to get off-road, including black side and fender moldings, black hood protector and tailgate trim, black inner door handle protectors, mud flaps, and all-weather floor mats.
Safety technology: All 2024 Outlander Sport models feature the following standard safety equipment across all trim levels: Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, automatic light control, automatic dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and Automatic High Beam.
All-Wheel Control: Standard across the Outlander Sport lineup, the brand’s all-wheel-drive system provides increased handling, traction, and stability during varied driving or weather situations.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander Sport models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are well-designed small SUVs with nice exteriors and excellent warranties.
Conclusion
More power, room, technology, options, powertrains, and everything else make this a pretty easy choice in favor of the Kia Sportage — until they update the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
| 2024 Kia Sportage | 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | |
| Starting Price | $28,565 | $25,300 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 148 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg | 23 city/29 highway/26 combined mpg |
| Also Available | Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, AWD | 168 hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 171.9 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 71.3 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 64.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.6 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 37.9 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.6 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 41.3 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.5 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 55.5 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 39.6 cubic feet | 21.7 cubic feet |
