If you are considering a new SUV that can carry seven passengers, look no further than the 2026 Kia Sorento and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander. On the smaller side of the three-row SUV segment, both the Sorento and Outlander are worthy competitors who offer a fair number of standard features on the base trims.
Let’s take a closer look at the Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander.
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento is a carryover from the 2025 model, and we are not complaining. With eight trim levels to choose from, drivers are sure to find a model that meets their needs.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Adaptable interior: The 2026 Kia Sorento remains an excellent choice for those who need to adjust to life’s demands. Whether you are picking up a new TV or heading out of town on a family vacation, the Sorento is easily configurable and up to the task. The Sorento has 12.6 cubic feet of cargo room with the third row seats up, and over 75.5 cubic feet with the second and third row down. Where the extra space really matters is for the humans who might sit in the third row; the Sorento offers 29.6 inches of legroom compared to 18.7 inches in the smaller Outlander.
Features: The Sorento has a user-friendly 12.3-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Remote start is a part of the Kia Connect app, which also allows you to warm or cool your car remotely. You can upgrade your technology to include built-in navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a Bose audio system. A nice feature on the EX trim and above is the Smart Power Tailgate, which lets you open and close the tailgate hands-free, which is extremely helpful when loading and unloading the cargo area.
Safety: The Sorento comes with Kia’s Drive Wise advanced driver-assist system of safety features. It includes This technology automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and driver attention warning.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
2025 model shown
The Mitsubishi Outlander was refreshed in 2025, but it still has some significant changes for this model year. Let’s check out what’s different in 2026.
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
Engine: Out with the old 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and in with the new turbocharged 1.5-liter Mild Hybrid Engine (MHEV). Like most MHEV vehicles, the small 48-volt battery stores energy recovered during braking and deceleration. This should slightly improve overall fuel efficiency, but the EPA has not released 2026 fuel economy information. While still not the fastest midsize SUV out of the gate, the Outlander will still be adequate for most drivers.
Complimentary maintenance: We’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating, a nice caveat for the Outlander is the 2-year/30,000-mile complimentary limited maintenance plan, covering oil changes, tire rotation, and a multi-point inspection. This helps your wallet over the first couple of years of ownership. It pairs well with the brand’s 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
Features: The Outlander offers some great features for the price, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Listening to your favorite music is even more enjoyable with the Outlander’s Yamaha audio system, with eight speakers on the ES trim and a 12-speaker setup on every other trim. Everything is controlled through a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander models near you.
Similarities
The Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander both come with outstanding warranties: five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. That is a lot of peace of mind across the miles. The Sorento and Outlander also offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.
| 2026 Kia Sorento | 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 2,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 177 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | Automatic, CVT |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | N/A |
| 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 | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 106.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 185.8 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 84.4 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 68.8 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 36.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | 34.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | 18.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | 51.2 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 12.6 feet | 10.9 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 45.0 feet | 30.6 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.5 feet | 64.3 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander are two midsize SUVs that offer plenty of creature comforts that people crave. While the Sorento is larger and pricier than the Outlander, it offers significantly more cargo space and a functional third row, which is why we recommend it.
New 2026 Kia Sorento Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,635 |
$32,200 |
|||
$36,535 |
$35,100 |
|||
$39,735 |
$38,200 |
|||
$43,535 |
$41,600 |
|||
$44,035 |
$42,300 |
|||
$45,335 |
$43,200 |
|||
$48,035 |
$45,700 |
|||
$49,035 |
$46,700 |
New 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,740 |
$31,300 |
|||
$34,090 |
$33,700 |
|||
$36,090 |
$35,100 |
|||
$40,790 |
$40,400 |
|||
$41,390 |
$41,000 |
|||
$41,390 |
$41,000 |
|||
$44,790 |
$44,300 |
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 2026 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2026 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.
