Hyundai Santa Fe vs Mitsubishi Outlander
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Santa Fe leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Hyundai Santa Fe
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 90 configurations
2015–2027
Mitsubishi Outlander
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 88 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Santa Fe | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 37 mpg ✓ | 27 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,700 ✓ | $2,200 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 111 g/mi | 97 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV | 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8) | Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | 4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 90 | 88 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Santa Fe vs Outlander: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 8 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Santa Fe runs about $1,700 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,200 for the Mitsubishi Outlander — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the Santa Fe and Outlander offer?
Hyundai Santa Fe: SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV. Mitsubishi Outlander: 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Mitsubishi Outlander as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Santa Fe comparisons
Comparison id: hyundai-santa-fe-vs-mitsubishi-outlander