2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the value-packed 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the roomier 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander often comes down to budget versus space. The Trax presents a compelling entry point, boasting an MSRP of just $20,500 compared to the Outlander's $29,995—a $9,495 gap that’s hard to ignore. While the Outlander offers superior muscle with 177 hp versus the Trax's 137 hp, efficiency favors the smaller Chevy, achieving a combined 30 MPG. Additionally, the Trax is notably more compact (178.6 inches long), making city parking easier. However, prospective buyers must weigh the Trax's modest 25.6 cu ft of cargo space against the Outlander’s larger footprint, acknowledging that while the Trax sips fuel efficiently, it sacrifices nearly 15 cubic feet of available hauling capacity compared to the larger vehicle.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG, which saves money on daily driving.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is better for families because its significantly larger exterior dimensions and presumed greater interior volume offer more passenger comfort.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is the choice for enthusiasts, delivering 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, notably more power than the Trax's 137 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax offers better immediate value, starting at $20,500, which is $9,495 less expensive than the Outlander.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- You prioritize low running costs, thanks to the Trax achieving 30 combined MPG.
- Your budget is strict, as the Trax's $20,500 MSRP significantly undercuts the Outlander.
- You frequently navigate tight city streets, benefiting from the Trax's shorter 178.6-inch length.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You require more power on the highway, as the Outlander provides 177 hp.
- You need maximum hauling capability, despite the Outlander's listed cargo capacity being 10.9 cu ft.
- You prefer a larger vehicle feel, given the Outlander is wider (74.7 inches) and taller (68.7 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.8" | 74.7" |
| Height | 61.4" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/32 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Trax has a clear efficiency advantage, rated at 30 combined MPG (28 city/32 highway). Since the Outlander's MPG rating was not provided, we must note the Trax uses a 6-speed automatic transmission, which often aids in real-world commuting efficiency over a CVT.
Is the $9,495 price difference between the two cars justified by the Outlander’s extra horsepower?
That depends on your driving style; the Outlander offers 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the Trax’s 137 hp. If you rarely push your vehicle hard, saving nearly $9,500 with the Trax might be the better financial decision.
Which vehicle is better suited for carrying larger items, despite the initial cargo numbers?
Based strictly on published data, the Trax offers 25.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft. This suggests the Trax is currently the more practical hauler, even though the Outlander is physically larger overall.
Are there major differences in driving feel between the Trax’s 6-speed automatic and the Outlander’s CVT?
Yes, the Trax uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, which often provides a more connected feel with distinct gear shifts. The Outlander uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), which typically prioritizes smooth, linear acceleration without noticeable shifts.
How do the physical sizes of these two crossovers compare for parking and maneuvering?
The Trax is significantly more city-friendly; it is 178.6 inches long and 71.8 inches wide. The Outlander is notably bigger at 185.8 inches long and 74.7 inches wide, making the Trax easier to slip into tight parking spots.
Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?
No, both the 2025 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps ongoing running costs down for both models.
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