SUV Comparison: Mitsu Outlander + Kia Sorento
It isn’t very easy to stand out in the SUV market today with so many choices. To get the market’s attention, a car really needs to shine, not only with style but value too. That’s why we’re comparing the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2017 Kia Sorento. Both SUVs are family-oriented cars and have a lot more to offer. They both can sit from 5-7 passengers at a time, are built strong, and affordable.
* To make this a fair comparison, we’re taking a look at the best of the best for both models. That’s the GT S-AWC for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, and the SX Limited V6 for the 2017 Kia Sorento. *
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC
The least expensive 3-row vehicle on the market, the Outlander is as affordable as it is capable. It is the ideal SUV for those who wants something unique, looking for the ability to drive down the street or go off-road. For 2016, the Outlander got some freshening up, and that makes it stand out among the rest. MSRP starts at $30,995.
2017 Kia Sorento SX Limited V6
This leather-lined quasi-luxury SUV is much more than meets the eye. For those on a budget but still looking for class, the Kia Sorento should be the number one choice. The SX Limited V6 has all modern technology and safety features, making it a powerful rival in the SUV market. MSRP starts at $43,900.
Engine
Both, the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Kia Sorento have powerful engines for their car types. They’re both large and great for families, but still pack a punch with great fuel economy.
Outlander
The 2016 Outlander GT is powered by a 3.0L MIVEC SOHC 24-valve V6 with continuously variable transmission (CVT). That is to say the transmission can switch between a _ range _ of gear ratios versus set, fixed gears. This engine/transmission combo generates 224-horsepower with 215 lb-ft of torque, and reaches a fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city, 27 MPG on the highway.
Sorento
A 3.3L DOHC 24-valve V6 is under the hood of a 2017 Kia Sorento SX Limited. The gears are shifted with an electronically controlled 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. This means when the automobile is cruising at a set speed, fuel consumption is decreased as well as wear and tear on the vehicle. The Sorento engine delivers a little more horsepower, 290-hp, and 252 lb-ft of torque. It gets 18 city/25 highway MPG when using front-wheel-drive, and 17/23 when using all-wheel drive.
Style
Inside and out, the Outlander and Sorento look nice, but that’s where the similarities end. They both differ greatly with their interior features and only share few in-between.
| Exterior | ||
| LED headlights | Yes | No |
| Solar control glass (protects interior from UV rays/reduces heat buildup) | No | Yes |
| Heated side mirrors | Yes | Yes |
| Rims | 18″ two-tone alloy | 19″ alloy |
| Tires | ?? | Michelin |
| Interior | ||
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 5-7 |
| Adjustable seating | 8-way driver/4-way passenger | 14-way driver with lumbar support |
| Foldable seats | 60/40 split rear; 50/50 3rd row flat | 40/20/40 split 2nd row; 50/50 flat 3rd row |
| Seating Trim | Leather | Premium Nappa leather |
| Leather wrapped | Steering wheel and gear shift | Leather and wood steering wheel + heated steering wheel |
| Ventilation/heat | Rear heater floor ducts | Rear heater floor ducts; ventilation in the front |
| Information Display | Multi-information | Trip Computer |
| Auto A/C control | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Mode Select | Yes | Yes |
| Heated front seats | Yes | Heated front and 2nd row |
Technology
So far, both of these sedans share a lot of similarities, and technology is no different. They both have a great selection of modern technology for convenience and safety.
| Exterior | |||
| LED headlights | Yes | No | |
| Solar control glass (protects interior from UV rays/reduces heat buildup) | No | Yes | |
| Heated side mirrors | Yes | Yes | |
| Rims | 18″ two-tone alloy | 19″ alloy | |
| Tires | ?? | Michelin | |
| Interior | |||
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 5-7 | |
| Adjustable seating | 8-way driver/4-way passenger | 14-way driver with lumbar support | |
| Foldable seats | 60/40 split rear; 50/50 3rd row flat | 40/20/40 split 2nd row; 50/50 flat 3rd row | |
| Seating Trim | Leather | Premium Nappa leather | |
| Leather wrapped | Steering wheel and gear shift | Leather and wood steering wheel + heated steering wheel | |
| Ventilation/heat | Rear heater floor ducts | Rear heater floor ducts; ventilation in the front | |
| Information Display | Multi-information | Trip Computer | |
| Auto A/C control | Yes | Yes | |
| Drive Mode Select | Yes | Yes | |
| Heated front seats | Yes | Heated front and 2nd row | |
| Touchscreen display | 6.1” w/ rearview camera | 8” color w/ rearview camera | |
| Sound system | Rockford Fosgate with 9 speakers, subwoofer, & surround sound | Infinity surround sound with 10 speakers + subwoofer | |
| Universal Garage Door Opener | Yes | No | |
| Power Remote Liftgate | Yes | No | |
| Hands-Free Systems | FUSE with USB/iPod support | UVO eServices with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | |
| Sirius XM | 3-month subscription | Trafiic and HD Radio | |
| Eco Mode Switch | Yes | EcoMinder with fuel efficiency indicator | |
| Remote Keyless Entry | Yes, with panic alarm | Yes | |
| Push button start/stop | Yes | Yes, with smart key engine immobilizer |
Safety
Safety is an important issue, and the Outlander GT and Sorento SX Limited have the standard features one would want, especially in a family-oriented car. Both vehicles have: electronic stability and traction control, an anti-lock braking systems (ABS), advanced dual-stage airbags with airbags in the front and mounted on the side, three-point seat belts, LATCH ready child restraint system, and body construction built with crumple zones.
However, the Sorento goes above and beyond with a rear parking assist system, surround view monitor, a blind-spot detection system, rear cross traffic alerts, lane departure warning, a forward collision warning system, and autonomous emergency braking.
Warranty
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander GT-AWC and 2017 Kia Sorento SX Limited V6 have similar warranty programs, with few differences. A 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty are provided with both vehicles. A warranty covering body work and damage is covered, but the Outlander has an anti-corrosion warranty for 7 years/100,000 miles and the Kia covers perforation for 5 years/100,000 miles. Both offer roadside assistance, except the Kia roadside assistance plan is limited to 5 years/60,000 miles whereas the Outlander has no stated expiration.
Both of these vehicles are great choices for a classy yet affordable car, especially if driving with a group of people. Plus, the ability to fold down seats or entire rows provides plenty of space for cargo, equipment, etc.
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