Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 28 advantages that the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AWC has over the Kia Sportage AWD.

Transmission

The Standard adaptive automatic transmission in the Outlander Sport AWC is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Not Available in the Sportage AWD.

Corrosion Warranty

Mitsubishi's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Kia's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

			Corrosion Warranty Months
	Outlander Sport AWC		84
	Sportage AWD		60

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The Outlander Sport AWC has a larger fuel tank than the Sportage AWD, 15.8 gal. vs. 14.5 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.

The Outlander Sport AWC is more fuel efficient than the Sportage AWD. Superior fuel efficiency makes the Outlander Sport AWC both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Sportage AWD.

			Fuel Economy Hwy		Fuel Economy City
	Outlander Sport AWC		28 mpg.		23 mpg.
	Sportage AWD LX 2.4L I4		-		21 mpg.
	Sportage AWD EX 2.4L I4		-		21 mpg.
	Sportage AWD SX 2.0L I4		26 mpg.		21 mpg.

*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)

The Outlander Sport AWC gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Sportage AWD, as detailed below by trim and engine:

			Driving Distance
	Outlander Sport AWC		395 mi.
	Sportage AWD EX 2.4L I4		348 mi.
	Sportage AWD LX 2.4L I4		348 mi.
	Sportage AWD SX 2.0L I4		333.5 mi.

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the Outlander Sport AWC is less than the base MSRP on the Sportage AWD as shown in the table below.

			Base Price MSRP
	Outlander Sport AWC		23,295
	Sportage AWD EX		25,400
	Sportage AWD SX		28,400

Airbags

Both the Outlander Sport AWC and the Sportage AWD feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

The Outlander Sport AWC is equipped with Standard 4WD-PT.

Fog lights are Standard on the Outlander Sport AWC but they are Not Available on the Sportage AWD LX. Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Standard on the Outlander Sport AWC but Not Available Sportage AWD. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

The Outlander Sport AWC has Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Sportage AWD.

Interior Space

The Outlander Sport AWC has more interior space than the Sportage AWD in the following areas:

			Leg Room, Front		Hip Room, Rear		Shoulder Room, Rear		Head Room, Front
	Outlander Sport AWC		41.6 in.		51.6 in.		55.7 in.		39.4 in.
	Sportage AWD		41.4 in.		49.1 in.		55.1 in.		39.1 in.

Cargo Space

The Outlander Sport AWC has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the Sportage AWD.

The Standard second row split seat allows Outlander Sport AWC owners the flexibility for both storage and passenger seating. A second row split seat is Not Available in the Sportage AWD.

Chassis

The Outlander Sport AWC, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 8.5 in. vs. 6.8 in., is more capable than the Sportage AWD of traversing rough terrain without problems.

The Outlander Sport AWC is shorter than the Sportage AWD, making it easier to handle and maneuver as detailed below:

			Length
	Outlander Sport AWC		169.1 in.
	Sportage AWD EX		174.8 in.
	Sportage AWD LX		174.8 in.
	Sportage AWD SX		175.2 in.

The Outlander Sport AWC's wheelbase is longer than the Sportage AWD's, 105.1 in. vs. 103.9 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

The Outlander Sport AWC is narrower than the Sportage AWD, 69.7 in. vs. 73.0 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

The Outlander Sport AWC comes standard with lower profile, 55 series tires (height to width ratio), which may provide better handling than the 60 series tires standard on the Sportage AWD LX.

Additional Features

A heated front seat provides additional comfort in very cold weather. As shown below, a heated front seat is a feature found more often in the in the Outlander Sport AWC than the Sportage AWD.

			Front Heated Seat
	Outlander Sport AWC		Standard
	Sportage AWD EX		Optional
	Sportage AWD LX		Not Available
	Sportage AWD SX		Optional

Illuminated vanity mirrors are Standard in the Outlander Sport AWC but Optional in the Sportage AWD LX.

The Outlander Sport AWC has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Sportage AWD LX.

With a Optional power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Outlander Sport AWC owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Sportage AWD LX as a power sunroof is Not Available.

The Outlander Sport AWC features Standard automatic headlights that control their on/off capability. Automatic headlights are Not Available on the Sportage AWD LX.

Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the Outlander Sport AWC, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Optional on the Sportage AWD.

Awards

2012 TOP SAFETY PICK AWARD: ~Insurance Institute For Highway Safety