If you’re looking for a new SUV that’s big enough to carry seven passengers but not so large that it feels impossible to park, the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander should be at the top of your shopping list.
The Sorento is a smallish midsize SUV, and the Outlander is a bigish compact SUV, which makes them pretty close competitors. There aren’t many options for buyers in this niche. In fact, the Volkswagen Tiguan is the only other such smallish SUV with three rows of seats.
Let’s take a closer look at the Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is on the small side of midsize SUVs, but it still has enough space to include a standard third row. It may not be something you necessarily need, but it’s handy to have to haul smaller people for shorter runs. When not needed for passengers, simply fold the seats down and use the space for cargo.
While the base model is powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, you can get another 90 hp for a bit more money if you opt for the turbo engine. Opting for the turbocharged engine pushes the output to 281 hp, but the average combined fuel economy only drops from 26 mpg to 23 mpg. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available with either engine.
The Sorento can also be had as a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid, but those particular models aren’t part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including destination charges.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Excellent warranty: The Kia Sorento comes with class-leading warranty coverage. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology, which is standard on all Sorento models, includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention warning.
X-Line: The X-Line models in the Kia Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
2024 model shown
Mitsubishi is a brand known for offering good value, and the 2025 Outlander reinforces that notion. Just large enough to haul seven people, the Outlander also comes standard with three rows of seating and the latest safety features and connected tech. It is not a leader in any area, but it does many things well.
Last year’s Outlander was available in six trim levels, starting with the ES at $29,890, including destination charges, and finishing with the Platinum Edition at more than $42,000. However, the company hasn’t yet released details about the 2025 model, including pricing. The 2025 Outlander likely will be powered by 181-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Buyers get an option for all-wheel drive with the Outlander, and the move affects EPA-estimated fuel economy by just 1 mpg, dropping from 27 combined mpg to 26 mpg. The Outlander is also available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Note that Mitsubishi includes a mandatory “Welcome Package” fee of $165 to $205 with some vehicles. The package includes floor mats, touch-up paint, and a binder for the vehicle manual. According to a Mitsubishi spokesperson, if a shopper does not want this added cost, they can special order their vehicle through a dealer and have the package removed. We do not include the Welcome Package fee in the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
Mitsubishi Outlander Highlights
AWD: While front-wheel drive is standard, for an extra $1,800, you can get Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control. Aside from a cool-sounding name, it offers selectable driving modes such as Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Eco, and Mud. In short, it’s AWD at the flip of a switch or turn of a dial.
Complimentary maintenance: The Outlander has the same excellent warranty length as the Kia Sorento, but it also comes with a 2-year/30,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan, adding even more peace of mind.
Driver clarity: The Outlander offers some impressive technology to make the driver’s life a little easier, including an available 12.3-inch configurable driver information screen. Not only does it offer the usual information, like speed, but it also puts your turn-by-turn navigation directions up there. And if you don’t want to look down to get that information, a head-up display is part of the SEL Touring package.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outlander models near you.
Similarities
Each has received a recent update, giving it a stylish exterior. They also feature seating for seven in a space that usually handles just five, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander are also tied for class-leading warranty coverage.
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
| Starting Price | $33,365 | $30,000 est. |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 181 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD; 2.5-liter turbo; Hybrid; PHEV | AWD; PHEV |
| 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 | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 106.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 185.4 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 74.7 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 68.7 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 Volume | 12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet | 10.9/30.6/64.3 cubic feet |
Conclusion
Even though the Kia Sorento is the pricier SUV, it’s arguably a better value than the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Kia has significantly more third-row legroom while also surpassing the Outlander in cargo space. The Kia Sorento also has better resale value than the Outlander. The Mitsubishi is fine if you’ll only use the third row on the rarest of occasions, but for most drivers who want the versatility of a 3-row SUV, we think the Kia Sorento is a better buy.
