With two SUVs within the Mitsubishi lineup having similar-sounding model names, we often receive questions from our customers about the differences and commonalities between them. They are the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, and you may have seen either of them during your excursions in Birmingham. While they share a few qualities, they may appeal to drivers with varying lifestyles. To understand what sets them apart, read this comparison provided by us at Birmingham Mitsubishi.

Performance

Both the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the Outlander share standard Continuously Variable Transmissions, which means that you can expect each vehicle to accelerate through I-565 in a linear fashion. But because the former earns 23/29/26 MPG city/hwy/combined1 in estimated fuel economy ratings, it’ll likely be favored among those who have longer commutes to work. The larger Outlander, on the other hand, may attract customers who desire a potent powertrain. Through a standard 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, this three-row midsize SUV manages a whopping 174 horsepower and 206 lb.-ft. of torque. No matter where you go throughout Birmingham, both models grant you a great vantage point. The Outlander Sport sits 8.5 inches off the ground, while the Outlander rests up to 8.4 inches high, respectively.

Interior

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have the common ground of being family-oriented vehicles. If there are fewer than five members within your household, the latter model’s five-passenger seating capacity should suffice. However, in the event that you’d need more room for either additional passengers or cargo space, the Outlander’s 7-occupant capacity will be easier to work with. Those who will use their SUV to haul groceries may appreciate the 21.7 cubic ft. of cargo volume behind the second row of the Outlander Sport, as you won’t have to lower the seats to expand room often to make more space for totes and other items. But, if you need more storage space for sports gear or larger items, you can fold down the first and second rows of the Outlander to reveal up to 64.3 cubic ft. of trunk capacity.

Technology

Technology is packed within the 2026 Outlander Sport and Outlander, and it’s important to mention that all of it is easy to interact with. Now that infotainment systems are a staple among modern vehicles, it’s up to you to decide if you’re comfortable using a more compact setup like the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen display in the Outlander Sport or the standard 12.3-inch iteration in the Outlander. The larger of the two comes embedded with a navigation function, which can give you real-time traffic updates when you head to the Birmingham Botanical Garden on a busy Saturday morning. Though if you prefer to use familiar apps that you often use on your smartphone, you can link either display to your mobile device using standard Apple CarPlay®2 and Android Auto™3 integrations. It’s done through a wired connection on the Outlander Sport, which simultaneously charges the phone while you drive. This is accomplished wirelessly on the Outlander, which is typically preferred for those who value removing additional steps when they’re preparing to drive to a destination. Either of these SUVs will be a great addition to your driveway, so contact us if you want to take both or one of them for a spin!

• The Outlander Sport is suited for those who prefer a more nimble driving experience, better fuel economy, and have a smaller family to transport. If you’re in the market for a more powerful engine, a massive trunk capacity, and have more than five passengers to accommodate, the Outlander is ideal!