Green vehicles are quickly becoming the go-to for environmentally friendly drivers who want efficiency and flexibility. On paper, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Kia Sorento Hybrid offer cleaner alternatives to gas engines but look closer. That’s where the differences between these models stand out.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid adds an electric motor to the internal combustion engine (ICE) configuration, offering enhanced fuel efficiency. An example of this is with its EPA-estimated 36 combined MPG rating. With that, you have a solid range, but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV may better fit your lifestyle. Why? Because it has a maximum driving range of 420 miles.

Best of all, you can traverse town without using a single drop of fuel. As a result, you'll make fewer trips to the gas station and enjoy more seamless daily travels.

When searching for a sustainable SUV, you know it’s more than boosting MPG ratings. It’s about maximizing how far you can travel. While the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Kia Sorento Hybrid add an electric motor, they use this feature differently:

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers sustainable flexibility you won't find in the Sorento Hybrid—most notably, the ability to drive using electric power alone. This allows you to handle school drop-offs, errands, and soccer practice on battery power alone.

Charging your Outlander PHEV is effortless. Simply plug it in at home and reach up to 80% charge in under seven hours with an installed wall box. When on the go, visit a compatible DC Fast Charge station for a 38-minute recharge. While all of this is promising, the assurance that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was named the 2025 Family Green Car of the Year™ by Green Car Journal proves its family-approved status.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Kia Sorento Hybrid are designed for family life. Each offers three rows of seating and comparable passenger dimensions, making each worthy of weekend getaways and outings with the whole crew. Flexibility is key here, but we don’t need to tell you that. The Outlander PHEV lets you invite grandparents along for the ride since it comes with seating for seven passengers. With only six seats in the Sorento Hybrid, someone may need to stay behind.

In terms of cargo space, the Outlander PHEV and the Sorento HEV are closely matched. Each offers a standard or available hands-free power liftgate that makes loading coolers, camping chairs, and backpacks a breeze. Still, you may prefer the Outlander PHEV’s wide-opening liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload larger items like a stroller.

Inside, you'll find multi-zone climate control systems, but the Outlander PHEV raises the bar with its available 3-zone automatic climate control system. This system extends comfort to rear-seat passengers—something that can’t be said for the Sorento Hybrid.

You require an off-road-ready SUV to transport you to and from remote trailheads. That's when having an enhanced traction control system comes in handy. But what about those soggy morning commutes? This is where traction-focused safety features shine.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid comes with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), but the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV goes beyond with standard Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), a system developed through specialized testing to give you the confidence needed to grip gravel or maneuver tight turns after a summer storm.

As modern marvels, these SUVs have many active safety features, including brand-specific versions of:

• Lane-keeping assistance
• Collision mitigation systems
• Blind-spot alerts

Regarding adaptive technology, the Outlander PHEV introduces MI-PILOT Assist™, an advanced system that helps with braking and acceleration, even in stop-and-go traffic. The advanced sensors with this optional system can even help with steering on gentle curves, adding a hands-on mild autonomous system. The Sorento Hybrid's version features radar-based cruise control that lacks the responsiveness offered by the Mitsubishi.

For everyday comfort, heated front seats come standard with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Kia Sorento Hybrid. In addition to keeping you warm on chilly nights, this system can help melt lingering tension from your back and shoulders. The Outlander PHEV adds a new layer of comfort with its optional massaging front seats, which turn a 45-minute soccer practice into a chance to unwind.

Regarding tech, the Outlander PHEV and the Sorento Hybrid help keep you connected and entertained with tech features, including:

• Crisp, colorful central touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ integration
• Available Bose® premium audio system

The Outlander PHEV invites you to embrace a more minimalist mindset. In a world full of distractions, sometimes less is truly more. The Outlander PHEV keeps things focused with an intuitive 8—or optional 9-inch touchscreen display. On the other hand, the Sorento Hybrid offers a sweeping display of up to 24.6 inches, which may be more flash than function.

And if travel plans ever overlap nap time, the whisper-quiet cabin of the Mitsubishi, especially in EV mode, turns the cabin into a tranquil space, blocking road and wind sound so little ones can rest easy while you keep moving.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Kia Sorento Hybrid prove that sustainability and excitement are synonymous. Under the hood of each SUV sits a powerful engine and responsive handling for a smooth, fun-to-drive experience.

Every day brings a new adventure. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the Kia Sorento HEV let you modify your SUV's performance with their standard selectable drive modes based on your mood. With the Kia, you can toggle among four modes. The Outlander PHEV nearly doubles this offering with its seven options, so you can better tailor your driving style depending on your environment and preference.

And if pedigree matters, here’s one final thought: The Outlander PHEV is rally-tested and modeled after real-world motorsports' legacy. This confidence trickles down to your commute, making everyday moments feel like a satisfying journey.