Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. Mitsubishi Outlander

With the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, the Japanese automaker took the 2021 model year off to take advantage of a partnership it has with Nissan and Renault. Utilizing quite a lot of components from the Nissan Rogue crossover, the 2022 Outlander is looking to move out from the bottom of the class toward the top. A tough task, but the Outlander certainly looks like it’s ready to do just that.

In addition to selling the compact Outlander, Mitsubishi also has a subcompact option with the Outlander Sport. The automaker’s subcompact SUV hasn’t been fully redesigned since it was introduced in 2011. It’s one of the older subcompacts on sale and up against the competition, it fails to be competitive.

If you’re cross-shopping the Outlander against the Outlander Sport and are looking to get more information on which model is a better choice, this comparison is here to help.

See a side-by-side comparison of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport & Mitsubishi Outlander »

What The Outlander Sport Gets Right

The smaller Outlander Sport is far more affordable than the larger compact Outlander. Pricing for the Outlander Sport starts at $22,335 (prices include destination and mandatory packages), while the Outlander costs $27,150. That’s a large $4,815 difference between the two. The extra money that you save by going with the Outlander Sport can be used for gas or to move up to a higher trim level.

For consumers that live in urban areas, the Outlander Sport is a better choice. It’s 13.5 inches shorter in length and 3.4 inches shorter in width than the Outlander. The Outlander Sport’s smaller dimensions make it easier to drive and park.

What The Outlander Gets Right

As an all-new vehicle for 2022, the Outlander comes with more tech features than the older Outlander Sport. The Outlander can be fitted with a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, wireless smartphone charging, a 10.8-inch head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s a similar case for safety features, as the Outlander comes with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, and a driver drowsiness monitor as standard.

Beyond having a far more upscale cabin than the Outlander Sport, the Outlander also has a more spacious cabin. The Outlander offers 28 more cubic feet of passenger space than the Outlander Sport, which equates to more spacious seating for passengers. Unlike the Outlander Sport, the 2022 Outlander is now available with three rows of seating. The extra row gives the Outlander an extra bit of versatility over the Outlander Sport.

Power is another area where the Outlander has an advantage. Power for the compact SUV comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 181 horsepower. The most powerful engine in the Outlander Sport is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 168 hp. Despite being larger and more powerful, both the Outlander and Outlander Sport can get up to 27 mpg combined.

One Clear Winner

This really isn’t a competition. The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander is a far better SUV than the Outlander Sport. Sure, the Outlander Sport is more affordable and easier to drive, but the Outlander has more interior space, a more powerful engine, similar fuel economy figures, a more upscale design, and more standard safety features. It’s the clear winner in this comparison.

Our Verdict: Mitsubishi Outlander

To be blunt, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is not a good SUV, but the all-new 2022 Outlander is. If you find yourself at a Mitsubishi dealership, odds are you'll find the Outlander a far superior choice for the money.

Take a closer look at the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport »

Take a closer look at the Mitsubishi Outlander »

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