2023 Outlander Sport vs. 2023 Kicks Comparison in Plattsburgh, NY

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. 2023 Nissan Kicks

The subcompact crossover segment is one of the most crowded and fiercely competitive ones. Everyone wants a small vehicle that offers the footprint of a subcompact car, with the elevated driving position and higher ground clearance of an SUV. As a result, nearly all auto brands present in the United States offer something in the segment. Two popular options in this segment are the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2023 Nissan Kicks.

The 2023 Outlander Sport is derived from the first-generation Mitsubishi ASX. Although it dates to 2011, it's received four facelifts and refreshes ever since, which have gone beyond mere cosmetic changes. As a result, it still looks and feels fresh in 2023. It's certainly a powerful contender to the 2023 Nissan Kicks, the model which first entered the market in 2016 and saw a 2021 facelift.

Here, we’ll compare the Outlander Sport vs. Kicks. We will evaluate them on the interior, safety, and performance characteristics. If you'd like to know which one comes out on top, read through to the end. If the 2023 Outlander Sport has piqued your interest, a call to DELLA Mitsubishi in Plattsburgh, NY, might be in order.

Interior Comparison

The 2023 Outlander Sport and 2023 Kicks have broadly similar exterior dimensions and can each seat up to five adults. Competing in the subcompact crossover segment, it’s no surprise that they offer broadly similar amounts of head, leg, and shoulder space in the front and rear seats.

Both compact crossover SUVs offer single zone climate control, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, cruise control, six speakers, and multifunction steering wheels. The 2023 Kicks does offer a partially digital instrument cluster, but the 2023 Outlander Sport offers better readability with clear analog gauges.

Performance Comparison

The 2023 Outlander Sport comes with a choice of two powerful engines. The base engine is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with 148 horsepower. You can also choose a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that puts out 168 horsepower. Regardless of which engine you choose, the sole gearbox is a CVT automatic. You also get Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control (AWC) as standard, which dynamically redistributes drive among the wheels with the most traction, working in tandem with the four-channel brake force distribution, traction control, and active stability control systems.

In comparison, the 2023 Kicks doesn’t stack up. The sole engine on offer is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder that puts out just 122 horsepower to the front wheels through Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic transmission system. You don't get an all-wheel-drive option or more powerful engines.

While the 2023 Kicks can offer better fuel economy as a result of its smaller and less powerful engine, its anemic 10.8-gallon fuel tank pales in comparison to the 15.8-gallon tank on the 2023 Outlander Sport.

Safety Features Comparison

The 2023 Outlander Sport and 2023 Kicks offer stability control, traction control, six airbags, standard automated emergency braking, and standard lane departure warning systems as standard features. There’s really nothing to find fault with on the safety front with either car.

Find the 2023 Outlander Sport in Plattsburgh, NY

The results are in, and after tough competition and a lot of deliberation, we're inclined to recommend the 2023 Outlander Sport as the best subcompact crossover. It soundly beats the 2023 Kicks in terms of performance, with its more powerful engines and standard all-wheel-drive across all trims. It matches the Kicks on interior amenities and technological features, as well as safety features too.

If you’d like to test drive the 2023 Outlander Sport, drop by DELLA Mitsubishi in Plattsburgh, NY. We’ll be happy to assist you.