Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe

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

Mitsubishi Outlander

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 88 configurations

28mpg combined (best)
All Mitsubishi Outlander specs

2015–2027

Hyundai Santa Fe

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 90 configurations

36mpg combined (best)
All Hyundai Santa Fe specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricMitsubishi OutlanderHyundai Santa Fe
Best combined MPG28 mpg36 mpg
Best city MPG27 mpg37 mpg
Best highway MPG32 mpg36 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,200$1,700
Lowest CO2 output97 g/mi111 g/mi
Engines offered2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild HybridSIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV
TransmissionsAutomatic (AV-S6), Automatic (A1), Automatic (AV-S8)Automatic (S8), Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8)
Drivetrains4-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, Regular Gas and Electricity, PremiumRegular, Regular Gas and Electricity
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20272015–2027
Configurations on record8890

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Outlander vs Santa Fe: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Hyundai Santa Fe?

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 Outlander and Santa Fe offer?

Mitsubishi Outlander: 2.4, 2.0, PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid. Hyundai Santa Fe: SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, 1.6, SIDI; PHEV.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Hyundai Santa Fe as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More Outlander comparisons

Comparison id: mitsubishi-outlander-vs-hyundai-santa-fe