2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe comparison is a matchup of two three-row family SUVs with very different missions. Outlander brings a class-above cabin, an available plug-in hybrid option, Mitsubishi’s trademark Super All-Wheel Control, and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with modern connectivity. Santa Fe counters with bold styling and a larger footprint. For shoppers near Plainfield, IL, our counsel is simple: if you want confident all-weather control, intuitive tech, and the rare ability to go electric with an available Plug-In Hybrid option in this segment, Outlander has the edge. As your local team at D'Arcy Mitsubishi, we prioritize solutions that make everyday driving easy, from school drop-offs to weekend escapes. Families from Shorewood and Bolingbrook appreciate Outlander’s flexible seven-passenger layout and calm, quiet ride quality. In real-world commuting and parking—especially near Plainfield, IL—Outlander’s tidy proportions and refined controls are a welcome advantage. This 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe review highlights the strengths that matter most to daily life and why Outlander is the smarter fit for many Chicago-area drivers.
| Feature | 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| Seating for seven | Yes | Yes |
| Available Plug-In Hybrid | Yes | No |
| Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) | Yes | No |
| MI-PILOT Assist™ | Yes | No |
| Mitsubishi Connect app (remote services) | Yes | No |
| 12.3-inch touchscreen display | Yes | Yes |
| Optional 12-speaker premium audio | Yes | Yes |
| Panoramic sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| Complimentary maintenance included | Yes | Yes |
| Factory Ralliart appearance package | Yes | No |
Exterior - Mitsubishi Dealer serving Plainfield, IL
Outlander wears Mitsubishi’s modern design language with confidence. The upright hood and sculpted fenders convey strength, while the precise lighting signatures provide a contemporary look day and night. Available 20-inch wheels fill the arches neatly without overwhelming the proportions, and the stance suggests balanced agility rather than bulk. Santa Fe’s boxier silhouette and long profile amplify visual presence, but Outlander’s balanced scale is friendlier to garages and tight city lots while still projecting an upscale, adventurous vibe. Thoughtful details—short overhangs for better approach angles, a clean rear hatch opening for easy loading, and cohesive trim execution from ES through SEL and the returning Ralliart—speak to real-world use. The available panoramic sunroof brightens the Outlander cabin and adds an airy feel on road trips, while the crisp character lines give the SUV an athletic look from every angle. If your daily routine includes urban errands and suburban commutes, Outlander’s well-judged exterior dimensions make it the more maneuverable choice without sacrificing road presence.
Interior - 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander near Plainfield, IL
Outlander’s cabin feels thoughtfully premium, with materials and accents that punch above its compact classification. Front seats are generously cushioned for long stints, dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, and the simple, clean dash design centers on a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with easy-to-use controls. Families will value the adult-friendly second row with vents on the back of the center console, plus available three-zone climate control on upper trims. While the compact third row is best for kids or short hops, it folds flat to create a square, usable cargo floor. Available quilted-leather seating and tasteful trim upgrades elevate SE and SEL models even further, complemented by an optional 12-speaker Yamaha premium audio system that offers crisp, balanced sound. By contrast, Santa Fe’s cabin provides a larger lounge-like space and available Nappa leather, but Outlander counters with an intuitive control layout, neat storage solutions, and standard wireless smartphone integration supported by straightforward menus. Everyday ease defines the Outlander interior—clear sightlines, a quiet highway demeanor, and ergonomic touchpoints that feel natural the moment you take the wheel.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe Mechanical Specs
Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is engineered for confident traction in rain, slush, and snow, integrating yaw control and carefully tuned drive modes for intuitive stability. It is a standout advantage for drivers near Plainfield, IL who deal with Midwest weather swings. The body structure feels solid and composed over rough pavement, aided by well-tuned damping that controls body motions without harshness. Steering is light and precise for parking yet steady on the highway. While Santa Fe’s HTRAC AWD and available additional ground clearance on select trims cater to occasional trail use, Outlander focuses on everyday confidence—wet commutes, slick intersections, and snow-packed driveways—where S-AWC and the calibration of its chassis shine. Towing up to 2,000 pounds covers light utility trailers or small campers, and the Outlander’s compact footprint means fewer three-point turns when accessing crowded park trails or home improvement centers. For families who value surefooted traction and nimble control in tight spaces near Plainfield, IL, Outlander hits the sweet spot between security and maneuverability.
Powertrain - Mitsubishi Dealership near Plainfield, IL
For 2026, Outlander adopts a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a smooth continuously variable transmission and available all-wheel drive. The setup prioritizes everyday smoothness, quiet operation, and predictable responses in stop-and-go traffic. The big differentiator comes with the available Outlander Plug-In Hybrid, which adds twin-motor electric drive, all-electric capability for short trips, and integrated S-AWC for enhanced traction management. That breadth of powertrain choice is something Santa Fe does not match—Santa Fe offers a robust 2.5-liter turbo with an 8-speed DCT and a traditional hybrid option, but not a plug-in. For many families, the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid’s electric driving for errands and school runs, combined with gas-electric flexibility for road trips, delivers compelling day-to-day benefits. Meanwhile, the standard turbo 1.5-liter Outlander remains composed and quiet, with tuning aimed at refinement over theatrics. If you want a family SUV that can commute on electric power when you want and tackle weekend escapes without range anxiety, Outlander’s powertrain lineup gives you that rare choice without asking you to change your routine.
Safety - Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe
Outlander brings a robust suite of standard driver-assistance features, including Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and more. Upper trims add MI-PILOT Assist™, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance to help ease fatigue on long highway slogs. The available 360-degree camera system simplifies parking in tight garages, and the body structure is engineered for strong crash protection. Santa Fe also offers an extensive driver-assist portfolio, including features such as Highway Driving Assist and Remote Smart Parking Assist on select trims. The difference with Outlander is how cohesive the systems feel—calm, predictable interventions and clear alerts—while MI-PILOT Assist™ is easy to activate and confidence-inspiring in traffic. Families appreciate that Outlander’s cabin is quiet under load, promoting focus and calm. As your team at D'Arcy Mitsubishi, we emphasize test drives so you can feel how these systems work together before deciding. Our staff near Plainfield, IL can demonstrate MI-PILOT Assist™ functions, camera views, and custom alert settings so you drive away with a configuration that matches your preferences.
Request more 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe near Plainfield, IL information
When the conversation centers on everyday usability, winter capability, and flexible powertrain choice, the 2026 Outlander consistently answers the brief. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe debate often comes down to how you drive and where you live. If you value maneuverability, intuitive tech, and the option to go electric with the Plug-In Hybrid—backed by S-AWC—Outlander is the more versatile pick. Santa Fe’s larger footprint and bold style will appeal to some, but Outlander’s clear sightlines, refined ride, and cohesive driver-assist tuning make daily life simpler. At D'Arcy Mitsubishi, our goal is to match customers with vehicles that improve routine driving as much as weekend getaways. Visit our showroom near Plainfield, IL to explore trims, test MI-PILOT Assist™, and see how the third row and cargo area adapt to your family’s rhythm. For many shoppers balancing commuting, school runs, and seasonal travel near Plainfield, IL, Outlander’s thoughtful design and available Plug-In Hybrid capability create a confident, future-ready choice.
*Not actual model shown in images
Make an Inquiry
* Indicates a required field
