Compare the2027 Chevrolet Equinox VS 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Chevrolet Equinox achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has not been tested.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Equinox has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The Equinox offers an optional Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Outlander Sport only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Chevrolet Equinox offers an optional Surround Vision and it also offers an optional rear camera washer to make backing always safe, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

The Equinox has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the Outlander Sport SE/SEL offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Equinox has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Braking automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the Outlander Sport SE/SEL offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the Outlander Sport’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

The Equinox has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Equinox and the Outlander Sport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available all-wheel drive.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Chevrolet Equinox is safer than the Outlander Sport:

	Equinox	Outlander Sport
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	0 cm	1 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	18 cm	28 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	2.1/.2 kN	3.43/.93 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Tibia index R/L	.32/.34	.68/.36
Tibia forces R/L	1.4/0 kN	1.9/1.9 kN

There are almost 10 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Equinox’s warranty.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Equinox has a standard 760-amp battery. The Outlander Sport’s 530-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 44 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in long-term dependability. With 87 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mitsubishi is rated below average.

The Equinox’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 27 more horsepower (175 vs. 148) and 58 lbs.-ft. more torque (203 vs. 145) than the Outlander Sport’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Equinox’s 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 7 more horsepower (175 vs. 168) and 36 lbs.-ft. more torque (203 vs. 167) than the Outlander Sport SEL’s standard 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Chevrolet Equinox is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder:

	Equinox	Outlander Sport
Zero to 60 MPH	9.2 sec	10.1 sec
Quarter Mile	16.9 sec	17.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	81.1 MPH	78.4 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the Equinox gets better mileage than the Outlander Sport:

			MPG
Equinox
	FWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/29 hwy
	AWD	1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/29 hwy
Outlander Sport
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy
		2.4 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/28 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Equinox’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Equinox has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Chevrolet Equinox higher (6 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (4). This means the Equinox produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Outlander Sport every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the Equinox’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Outlander Sport:

	Equinox	Outlander Sport
Front Rotors	11.8 inches	11.6 inches

The Equinox stops shorter than the Outlander Sport:

	Equinox	Outlander Sport
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	137 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

For better traction, the Equinox has larger tires than the Outlander Sport (235/65R17 vs. 215/70R16). The Equinox LT/ACTIV’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Outlander Sport (235/65R17 vs. 225/55R18).

The Equinox LT/ACTIV’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander Sport S’ standard 70 series tires. The Equinox RS’ optional tires have a lower 50 series profile than the Outlander Sport ES/LE/SE/SEL/Ralliart’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Equinox LT/ACTIV has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Outlander Sport S. The Equinox RS’ optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Outlander Sport ES/LE/SE/SEL/Ralliart.

The Equinox has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Equinox’s wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than on the Outlander Sport (107.5 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Equinox is 3.2 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than on the Outlander Sport.

The Equinox RS AWD handles at .79 G’s, while the Outlander Sport 4WD pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The front grille of the Equinox uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Equinox uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Equinox has 6.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander Sport (104.3 vs. 97.5).

The Equinox has .6 inches more front headroom, 2.1 inches more front hip room, 1.5 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom, 3.6 inches more rear legroom, .1 inches more rear hip room and .3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Outlander Sport.

The Equinox has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Outlander Sport with its rear seat up (29.8 vs. 21.7 cubic feet). The Equinox has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Outlander Sport with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 49.5 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Equinox’s power liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Equinox’s power liftgate can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

The Equinox has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Outlander Sport has no towing capacity.

The Equinox uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Outlander Sport uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

When two different drivers share the Equinox ACTIV/RS, the optional memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Equinox ACTIV/RS’ optional easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Equinox’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Outlander Sport does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Equinox’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Outlander Sport has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the Equinox and the Outlander Sport have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Equinox is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Outlander Sport prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Equinox’s front and rear power windows all lower with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The Outlander Sport’s passenger windows don’t open automatically.

On a hot day the Equinox’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Outlander Sport can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Outlander Sport’s standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The Equinox’s standard doors lock when the transmission is engaged. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights.

The Equinox’s standard Keyless Access allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. FAST-Key is only offered on the Outlander Sport SE/SEL/Ralliart, and doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear doors.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Equinox has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Outlander Sport only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Equinox has standard extendable sun visors. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer extendable visors.

When the Equinox ACTIV/RS with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Outlander Sport’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Equinox has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats are only available on the Outlander Sport LE/SE/SEL/Ralliart. The Equinox ACTIV/RS also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Outlander Sport.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Equinox ACTIV/RS keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Equinox’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Equinox’s optional dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the Equinox and the Outlander Sport offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Equinox has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Equinox has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Compared to traditional radio, the Chevrolet Equinox’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Outlander Sport LE/SE/SEL.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Chevrolet Equinox offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Chevrolet Equinox outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport by over 16 to one during 2025.