Compact SUVs are now the most popular segment of vehicles, with over a dozen models competing for your dollars and attention. Every brand offers one (or more), and each brings its own set of traits to the table. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander are two prime examples of vehicles in the same segment that go their own way. Let’s compare the two to see which might be the better choice for you.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
The Tucson is Hyundai’s most popular model and its most established SUV, with over 20 years of history behind it. The latest version is the most stylish, sophisticated, and safest to date. Still, it continues to improve for the 2025 model year. With its latest refresh, the Tucson gains even more technology and some nips and tucks to we think is already a great design. The Tucson is also available with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but for this comparison we are focusing on models with the standard, 187-horsepower gasoline engine.
Hyundai Tucson Highlights
Tech powerhouse: From its available Blind-Spot View Monitor real-time video to the ability to pull itself into and out of a parking space or a garage while you stand outside the vehicle, the Tucson packs some of the most innovative features you can get in a compact SUV.
Unbeatable warranty: Like every new Hyundai, the Tucson includes a class-leading warranty of five years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.
XRT trim: You can call this the Tucson’s most adventurous guise. It adds trim-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, black side cladding, black front and rear lower fascias, and more. It all gives this version of the Tucson a more rugged appearance and personality.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tucson models near you.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has a special place among compact SUVs: It is now the only model with three rows of seats and standard seating for seven. That trait also makes the Outlander the least-expensive 3-row SUV on sale today. Beyond that X-factor, the Outlander becomes more noteworthy for 2025 thanks to an update this model year that brings design tweaks and a standard audio system from a famous brand. In addition to the standard gas engine, the Outlander is also available as a plug-in hybrid, the Outlander PHEV, which we review separately.
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
Yamaha audio: New for 2025, all Outlander models come with a specially tuned audio system by Yamaha. This marks the first Yamaha system in a car sold in the U.S., and our ears are pleased with the results.
Seating for seven: Granted, the third row seats in the Outlander are tiny, but they are great to have in a pinch. You can leave them folded most the time, then put them to use in case the kiddos want to bring a couple of friends along. To get 3-row seating in a Hyundai SUV, you’d have to step up to a Santa Fe or Palisade.
Stellar warranty: As with its Hyundai rival, the Mitsubishi Outlander touts a fantastic warranty that includes that includes five years/60,000-miles for basic coverage and 10-years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both of these compact SUVs offer similar power output, outstanding warranties, and the availability of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Tucson Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (54404)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,200 |
TBD |
|||
$32,060 |
TBD |
|||
$34,510 |
TBD |
|||
$34,510 |
TBD |
|||
$40,140 |
TBD |
New 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (54404)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,490 |
TBD |
|||
$34,890 |
TBD |
|||
$39,790 |
TBD |
|||
$40,790 |
TBD |
|||
$45,940 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Tucson vehicles and New 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Hyundai Tucson | 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 2,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed w/shiftronic | Automatic, CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 106.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.3 inches | 185.8 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 84.4 inches |
| Height | 65.6 inches | 68.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.6 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.1 inches | 40.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.5 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.3 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.6 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 56.0 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | 30.6 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 80.3 feet | 64.3 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
If you absolutely need the flexibility of three rows of seating in a compact SUV, the Outlander fills that niche while offering some nice amenities and a great warranty. Otherwise, we think the Hyundai Tucson is the better choice here for a majority of shoppers. It starts at a slightly lower price, is available in a wider range of trims and powertrains, has a much larger dealer network, and packs the same unbeatable warranty terms as its rival. As always, examine your needs and budget, test each, and see which deserves space in your driveway.
