Mitsubishi Outlander vs Kia Sportage

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 are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

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. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia Sportage, against 4 on 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 7 in the Kia Sportage.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

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 — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Sportage. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mitsubishi Outlander uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a cvt 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.

The Mitsubishi Outlander has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mitsubishi Outlander measures 4,720mm long on a 2,706mm wheelbase, 35mm 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 485L in the Mitsubishi Outlander and 543L in the Kia Sportage, giving the Kia Sportage a 58L advantage.

For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 50kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander and $2,309/year for the Kia Sportage. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.