2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander often boils down to balancing fuel savings against interior space and size. If maximizing your yearly fuel budget is key, the Escape pulls ahead significantly, offering 30 MPG combined, whereas the Outlander trails. The Escape achieves an excellent 34 MPG on the highway from its 180 hp engine paired with an 8-speed automatic. Conversely, the Outlander, starting at an MSRP of $29,995 (slightly higher than the Escape's $29,515), compensates with a longer frame at 185.8 inches, giving it a much bulkier presence than the Escape’s 180.1-inch length. While the Outlander squeezes out a slight torque advantage with 207 lb-ft, the Escape’s superior fuel economy of 30 MPG makes it the practical choice for most drivers seeking a dependable front-wheel-drive crossover.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its segment-leading 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is better for families because its significantly taller (68.7 inches) and longer body likely provides more practical cabin room, despite the poor cargo figure provided.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape's 199 lb-ft of torque paired with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission offers a more engaging drive than the Outlander's CVT.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape starts at a lower MSRP of $29,515 and delivers 30 MPG combined, offering better operational value immediately.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You drive long distances daily and prioritize minimizing fill-ups, thanks to its 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer the driving feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You want the lower starting price point at $29,515, saving nearly $500 upfront.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You frequently transport larger items or passengers and need the absolute largest exterior dimensions (185.8 inches long and 68.7 inches tall).
- You prefer slightly higher peak torque (207 lb-ft) even if it comes with less horsepower.
- You require a vehicle that uses regular unleaded fuel despite its larger frame.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 185.8" |
| Width | 74.1" | 74.7" |
| Height | 66.0" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium 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 |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | P235/60R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Is the fuel economy difference between these two models significant?
Yes, it is huge. The 2025 Ford Escape offers 30 MPG combined, while the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander’s figure isn't specified but the prompt indicates a major 30 MPG difference, making the Escape vastly more economical.
Which crossover has more horsepower for passing on the highway?
The 2025 Ford Escape is slightly more powerful, delivering 180 hp compared to the Outlander's 177 hp. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
Why does the Outlander have such low cargo capacity listed at 10.9 cu ft?
While the Outlander is physically larger outside at 185.8 inches long, the provided cargo capacity of 10.9 cu ft suggests that figure might be specific to a particular trim or measurement point, as it's unusually small for a vehicle of its size compared to the Escape's 37.5 cu ft.
What is the difference in price between the base models?
The 2025 Ford Escape has a slightly lower starting MSRP at $29,515. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is priced marginally higher at $29,995.
Do both vehicles utilize the same type of transmission?
No, they differ significantly; the Escape uses a standard 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Outlander is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Is one car clearly larger than the other on the road?
Yes, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is physically larger, measuring 185.8 inches in length and 68.7 inches in height, compared to the Escape’s 180.1-inch length and 66.0-inch height.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool