The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has way more range, can seat two more passengers, and offers more total cargo room. But the 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV is more efficient, better to drive, and more affordable.
Styling
The Outlander’s recent overhaul is hard to ignore, as the old design seemed to be stuck in the early 2000s. However, the new look feels adapted from its platform-mate, the Nissan Rogue, leaving the Outlander with a few awkward proportions as it struggles to incorporate Mitsubishi’s design language into a cohesive exterior look.

There are plenty of shiny bits in the grille, and a mix of small and large lighting elements that give the front end plenty of visual heft, which is carried across the profile and around to the rear of the vehicle. It leaves the Outlander looking a bit bigger than the Sportage — and it is, albeit barely. Its wheelbase is actually 49 mm (1.9 in) shorter, leaving it with longer overhangs and a more imposing look than its rival.

Kia’s styling division has been working overtime to make its SUVs look rugged, tough, and high-tech. As a result, the Sportage has harsher creases in its bodywork, along with sleek, angled headlights. It all helps to hide its slightly smaller size, and it’s handsome from most angles, although the bland back end could use some sprucing up.

The cabins express different intentions. The Outlander wants to wow with upscale-looking materials, stitched leather hides, and tactile controls. The Sportage aims to impress with technology, featuring large infotainment displays, and a trick touch panel that switches between HVAC and infotainment controls. The upholstery — along with the seats themselves —isn’t as upscale, but the gap in quality between the two is slim.

Kia Sportage PHEV: 7/10; Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 7/10

Practicality
Not only is the Outlander longer overall, but it has more seating inside. This PHEV is packing a third row of questionable usability, but at least it’s there. However, behind the third row is a meagre 331 L of space. That expands to 948 L with the third row folded, while stowing the second row opens up a total of 2,256 L.

The Sportage has 977 L of storage behind the second-row seats, which expands to 1,855 L when they’re folded. The Kia also offers the ability to raise the cargo floor to make a flat surface or lower it for a bit more room.

Kia Sportage PHEV: 7/10; Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 8/10

From the front seats, the Outlander is quieter and feels more spacious, with more comfortable thrones. However, the rear seats in the Kia Sportage feel more accommodating than the second row of the Outlander. Considering how limited the third row is in the Mitsubishi, it’s worth suggesting the Kia is the more passenger-friendly option here if you prefer more space over outright seating capacity.

Kia Sportage PHEV: 7/10; Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 7/10

Features
Both automakers offer plenty of features and technology in these PHEVs, and that’s no surprise given their asking prices (more on those later). Entry-level Sportage PHEVs come with just about everything you need including heated and cooled memory seats, a heated steering wheel, a wireless phone charger, and dual-zone climate control. The higher trims include an upgraded sound system, the digital instrument display, projection LED headlights, and more advanced driver assists and safety tech.

There are more trims of the Outlander PHEV offered, which allows for more packages and options, but even base models are well equipped. Heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, an eight-inch infotainment screen, and the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are all standard. Top trims add heated rear seats, massaging front seats, a three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay, a one inch larger infotainment screen, premium stereo, and head-up display.

Kia Sportage PHEV: 8/10; Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 8.5/10

Safety
Both vehicles have been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and were awarded the Top Safety Pick score. I preferred the safety features and driver aids of the Sportage, especially the highway drive assist and remote smart park assist, although these features are only available on top-trim models. The Outlander doesn’t have a remote parking feature but offers the same combination of adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems.

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