Compact SUVs have enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years. And now alternative fuel vehicles, such as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric cars, are having their turn in the sun.
So it comes as little surprise, then, that vehicles such as the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid and the 2023 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid are grabbing people's attention for checking both boxes of the above features. So which of these sets of wheels is right for you? Let's compare them in detail to help you decide, focusing on some of the key areas of hybrid electric vehicles.
MSRP
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid starts at an MSRP of $39,845, with upgraded trim levels checking in at $42,145 and $45,445.
Kia dropped its base trim level for the Sorento plug-in hybrid in 2023, leaving customers with only the SX Prestige, which clocks in at an MSRP of $49,990.
Comfort and Drivability
If you like a more compact design, you might prefer the Mitsubishi Outlander over the Kia Sorento. And if you enjoy more passenger and cargo space, well, you may also favor the Outlander over the Sorento.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid is shorter in length, narrower in width, and sports a tighter wheelbase than the 2023 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid. The more compact design of the Outlander allows for a little more nimbleness, especially when navigating city streets or tight parking spots. But at the same time, the unique design of the Outlander also has seating for seven (the Sorento is limited to six), along with more headroom and legroom in the front row and more cargo space behind.
Performance
Both the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid and the 2023 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid boast impressive performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander is designed with standard four-wheel drive, while the Kia Sorento is only front-wheel drive.
Another key difference is in the tighter turning radius of the Outlander (36.1 feet) compared with that of the Sorento (37.92 feet), giving Outlander drivers a little more agility on the roadways.
Charging Time
Charging time is an important metric for plug-in hybrid drivers. With a 240V charger, the Sorento can reach a full charge in three hours and 25 minutes compared with 6.5 hours for the Outlander. However, when equipped with the CHAdeMO DC fast charging system, the Outlander can reach an 80% charge in just 38 minutes. This fast charging technology is not available on the Kia Sorento.
Driving Range
One of the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles is their ability to cover long distances on a single fill-up or charge. When operating strictly on its electric battery, the Outlander has a projected range of 38 miles compared with the 32-mile range expected on the Sorento, giving you a little more peace of mind that you'll reach that next gas station or charging port with the Outlander.
In addition, the Outlander carries a 14.79-gallon fuel tank compared with the 12.4-gallon tank found on the Sorento. That means Outlander drivers make fewer stops at the pump and stretch out each tank a little bit further.
Safety
Safety is important no matter which class of vehicle you're in. Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Kia Sorento boast several modern safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and more. But the Outlander adds things such as stability control, trailer stability assist, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Both models put safety front and center, but the Outlander goes the extra mile.
Warranty
The Kia Sorento comes with a 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty, which is impressive by any standard. However, the Outlander features the same warranty with an additional two years for the corrosion protection warranty (seven years to the Sorento's five). Furthermore, roadside assistance in the Outlander is good for unlimited miles over five years, while Sorento drivers are capped at 60,000 miles for the same length of time.
Options
The 2023 Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid comes available in just one trim, the SX Prestige. But the Outlander plug-in hybrid comes in three trim levels to offer shoppers some additional options for performance, luxury, and infotainment.
Which Vehicle Is Right for You?
It's hard to go wrong with either the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid or the Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid. Both vehicles offer a stylish and spacious design with a host of advanced safety features and comparable performance.
The Kia Sorento does offer a little more horsepower (177) than the Outlander (131), as well as some additional torque (195 lb-ft in the Sorento to 144 lb-ft in the Outlander). But hybrid and electric vehicles aren't designed for speed, and drivers in this segment are less likely to prioritize power.
But what the Outlander lacks in power, it makes up for in the features that plug-in hybrid shoppers typically look for. These include:
- A longer electric range and a bigger fuel tank.
- More passenger seating.
- A more compact exterior.
- A tighter turning radius.
- More front seat headroom and legroom.
- Faster charging time.
- Additional safety features.
- More warranty protection.
- Added trim level options.
- A more affordable MSRP.
When you consider all the above advantages of the Outlander coupled with an MSRP that is $10,000 less than that of the Sorento, it's easy to see why many shoppers are choosing the Mitsubishi. You can even upgrade to the highest trim level of the Outlander plug-in hybrid, gain additional features and even more advantages over the Sorento, and still come in with a lower MSRP.
Ready To Take a Test Drive?
If you're convinced that the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid is the right choice for you, there's only one way to solidify your decision. Schedule a test drive in this exciting new SUV yourself or visit our dealership on Canfield Road in Boardman, Ohio. Then check out any ongoing specials or discounts we may have, discuss any upgrades or accessories with our team, and speak to our finance department about flexible loan or leasing options.
Meet the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid today and step into the next generation of driving.