2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$27,345 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Stuck deciding between a nimble city companion and a spacious adventure wagon? That's the core dilemma facing shoppers comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2025 Subaru Outback. The Eclipse Cross keeps things tight and affordable, starting at just $27,345, making it immediately appealing. However, it offers notably less utility, featuring only 23.4 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outback's substantial 32.6 cu ft. Power is another factor; the Outback delivers 182 hp, easily outpacing the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, which could matter on highway merges. Fuel economy is close, with the Outback achieving a better 28 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined. While the Mitsubishi is slightly shorter at 179.0 inches, the Subaru's extra length (191.1 inches) contributes to its superior practicality for families who need more room for gear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The slightly lower MSRP of $27,345 makes the Eclipse Cross the more budget-conscious choice for daily point A to point B driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins hands down for families due to its significantly larger 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, perfect for hauling strollers or vacation luggage.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Outback

Enthusiasts will prefer the Outback's 182 hp, giving it a noticeable performance edge over the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Outback

Despite a higher initial price, the Outback offers better overall value through superior cargo space and better fuel economy at 28 MPG combined.

Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...

Your budget is firm, as the Eclipse Cross undercuts the Outback with an MSRP of $27,345.
You frequently drive in tight city environments where its shorter 179.0-inch length offers better maneuverability.
You prioritize ease of filling up with slightly lower torque needs, matching its 184 lb-ft output.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum utility is essential, evidenced by the Outback's class-leading 32.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You frequently drive on highways where the Outback's superior 32 MPG highway rating will save fuel.
You want more immediate passing power, benefiting from the 182 hp engine versus the 152 hp in car1.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross	Subaru Outback
Length	179.0"	191.1"
Width	71.1"	73.0"
Height	66.5"	66.1"
Wheelbase	105.1"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 5500 rpm	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/28 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	395.0/442.4 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
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	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.0 in.	55.5 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 Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.0 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/70R16	225/65R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2025 Subaru Outback.

Which vehicle is better for road trips based on fuel efficiency?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the winner for long hauls, boasting a combined 28 MPG and an excellent 32 MPG highway rating. The Eclipse Cross trails slightly with 26 MPG combined, which might mean more frequent stops for gas.

How much larger is the cargo area in the Outback compared to the Eclipse Cross?

The Subaru Outback provides significantly more storage with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is substantially more than the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which offers 23.4 cubic feet.

Is the 30 horsepower difference between the two vehicles noticeable during driving?

Yes, the Outback’s 182 hp engine offers 30 more horsepower than the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp. This difference will likely be felt most when accelerating onto busy highways or when carrying a fully loaded vehicle.

Which crossover is more affordable to purchase upfront?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross takes the initial price win, starting at $27,345. The 2025 Subaru Outback carries a slightly higher MSRP of $29,995.

Are there major differences in size or footprint between these two AWD crossovers?

Yes, the Outback is noticeably longer at 191.1 inches compared to the Eclipse Cross's 179.0 inches, giving the Subaru a larger overall road presence.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium fuel for their standard engines; both the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2025 Subaru Outback specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type.