Mitsubishi Outlander vs Kia Sportage
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Sportage opens at $38,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $43,989 and $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander and 87% for the Kia Sportage.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia Sportage packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander and 6 in the Kia Sportage.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Sportage gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out with Yamaha audio that you will not find on the Kia Sportage. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Kia Sportage responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sportage is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander measures 4,710mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 25mm longer than the Kia Sportage at 4,685mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 65L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander and $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs $2,309 (Kia Sportage). The Mitsubishi Outlander saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Outlander will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sportage all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Sportage has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander makes the most power at 135kW. The Kia Sportage is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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