Kia Sportage vs Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
This page compares the Kia Sportage and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport across the 16 model years both appear in our data (2011–2026). Both are classed as SUV on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport averages about 32 mpg (UK) against 31 mpg for the Kia Sportage. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Kia Sportage (2.9 against 8.4), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2011–2026
| Measure | Kia Sportage | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 31 | 32 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 217 | 206 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,638 | $2,512 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 12 of 15 | 1 of 15 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 2.9 | 8.4 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 188 | 100 |
| Engine options across these years | 4 | 2 |
Year by Year
| Year | Kia Sportage MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 30 | — | 6 | 181 | 32 | — | 14 | 88 |
| 2012 | 30 | 5★ | 5 | 392 | 32 | 4★ | 10 | 36 |
| 2013 | 30 | 4★ | 3 | 381 | 32 | 4★ | 14 | 68 |
| 2014 | 28 | 4★ | 3 | 123 | 31 | 4★ | 9 | 86 |
| 2015 | 28 | 4★ | 2 | 146 | 34 | 4★ | 12 | 235 |
| 2016 | 28 | 5★ | 2 | 132 | 32 | 4★ | 11 | 171 |
| 2017 | 30 | 5★ | 4 | 401 | 32 | 4★ | 6 | 78 |
| 2018 | 31 | 5★ | 3 | 164 | 32 | 4★ | 6 | 78 |
| 2019 | 30 | 5★ | 2 | 70 | 32 | 4★ | 6 | 55 |
| 2020 | 31 | 5★ | 2 | 161 | 32 | 4★ | 4 | 57 |
| 2021 | 31 | 5★ | 2 | 53 | 32 | 4★ | 1 | 19 |
| 2022 | 31 | 5★ | 1 | 46 | 32 | 4★ | 8 | 227 |
| 2023 | 34 | 5★ | 7 | 305 | 32 | 4★ | 2 | 54 |
| 2024 | 34 | 5★ | 3 | 103 | 32 | 4★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2025 | 34 | 5★ | 1 | 71 | 31 | 5★ | 1 | 16 |
| 2026 | 34 | 5★ | 0 | 37 | 31 | 4★ | 0 | 2 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Kia Sportage · Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Kia Sportage or the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
On its most efficient configuration the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport averages about 32 mpg (UK) against 31 mpg for the Kia Sportage. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Kia Sportage has 12 of 15 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 1 of 15. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Kia Sportage averages 2.9 recall campaigns and 188 owner complaints; the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport averages 8.4 and 100. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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