Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Outlander Sport: Key Differences Explained
By Space Coast Daily // April 30, 2025
The Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport may have similar names, but they are a far cry from being the same SUV. From engine performance and towing capacity to cabin space and interior features, there are a lot of differences between the two vehicles.
We won’t try to come up with a winner in the battle between the Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Outlander Sport, because they’re both excellent SUVs. In this article, we’ll take a look at those differences so buyers can make informed decisions at the Mitsubishi dealer.
- Performance Differences
The Mitsubishi Outlander features a powerful 181-hp 2.5L I-4 engine that puts out 181 lb-ft of torque. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a smaller engine. The 148-hp 2.0L 4-cyl engine produces 145 lbs of torque. The two vehicles’ disparate dimensions make up for some of the power difference, but it’s still worth noting. Drivers should also know that while the Mitsubishi Outlander gets 27 combined MPG, the Outlander Sport gets 26.
- Towing Capacity
There’s a major difference between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport that goes beyond engine strength. Only the Outlander is equipped to tow. The Outlander Sport is not recommended as a tow vehicle, while the Outlander can tow up to 2,000 lbs when properly equipped.
- Dimensions and Size
While engine power and towing performance might be two of the most important distinctions between the Outlander vs. Outlander Sport, size is the most obvious of them. The Outlander is much larger, featuring three rows of seating with 125.5 cu ft of passenger volume and up to 64.3 cu ft of cargo space. The Outlander Sport has only two rows with a total of 97.5 cu ft of passenger volume and up to 49.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- Interior Features
While seating capacity is the most significant difference between the Outlander and Outlander Sport, there are some other distinctions worth noting. The Outlander has desirable features like an eight-way power driver’s seat, double-pane noise-cancelling windows, and available tri-zone automatic climate control. The Outlander Sport features heated front seats and Mitsubishi’s convenient FAST-Key Entry System with available push-button ignition.
- Infotainment Tech
Both the Outlander and Outlander Sport are equipped with everything buyers need to stay connected while they’re on the road, including infotainment centers with customizable screens and smartphone integration. However, the Outlander’s 12.3-inch digital driver display is larger than the Outlander Sport’s eight-inch system, and it comes with MI-PILOT Assist 2 integrated navigation.
- Safety Systems
Mitsubishi always puts safety first when designing its vehicles, so it should be no surprise that both the Outlander and Outlander Sport are equipped with advanced active safety and driver-assistance features. The Outlander comes standard with everything from Blind Spot Warning to Forward Collision Mitigation. The Outlander Sport also has many advanced safety features.
Which SUV Is the Better Buy?
There’s no winner in the contest between the Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Outlander Sport. The two SUVs are both high-quality vehicles with everything drivers need to get around town comfortably and in style. The primary differences are in size, features, and towing capacity. Drivers looking for larger SUVs that can fit more people and tow trailers will find it’s worth paying more for an Outlander. Those who want smaller vehicles and don’t need to tow will likely be happy with the Outlander Sport.
