2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV excites with its 38 miles of electric range, offering significant urban zero-emission driving potential while maintaining a 248 hp output from its hybrid system. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Ascent immediately grabs attention with its 260 hp and superior 277 lb-ft of torque, promising slightly punchier straight-line performance. The Outlander PHEV boasts a 26 MPG combined efficiency, handily beating the Ascent’s 22 MPG combined, an important 4 MPG difference for drivers conscious of fuel stops. Although the Ascent is larger at 196.8 inches long, providing 17.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander’s 12.8 cu ft, the PHEV's lower starting MSRP of $40,445 edges out the Ascent's $40,795. Both offer capable AWD systems, but the Outlander presents a compelling electric alternative.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV's 38 miles of electric range drastically reduces daily commuting fuel costs compared to the standard gasoline operation of the Ascent.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers superior physical space with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity and a slightly taller stance at 71.6 inches.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent delivers more traditional performance metrics with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, compared to the PHEV’s dual-motor setup.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV provides hybrid technology and 38 miles of EV range for a lower initial investment at $40,445.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...
- You prioritize daily fuel savings and can utilize the 38 miles of pure electric range regularly.
- You seek the lowest entry price point with an MSRP of $40,445 for advanced electrified power.
- You prefer the tighter handling associated with the Outlander's shorter 185.4-inch length.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, reflected in the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want the peak mechanical output with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque available through the CVT.
- You prefer a taller, more commanding driving position enabled by its 71.6-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 196.8" |
| Width | 84.4" | 76.0" |
| Height | 68.5" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 248 hp | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torque | — | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/27 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 370.0/399.6 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 67/61 MPGe | — |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 64 MPGe | — |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 38 mi. | — |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 52 | — |
| Charging Time (240V) | 6.5 hr. | — |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | CHAdeMO | — |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.1 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How much better is the Outlander PHEV’s fuel economy than the Ascent?
The Outlander PHEV achieves a combined 26 MPG, whereas the 2026 Ascent is rated for 22 MPG combined, creating a 4 MPG advantage for the hybrid crossover on gasoline power alone.
Which crossover is physically larger for passengers and gear?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is the physically larger vehicle; it measures 196.8 inches in length and offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Outlander PHEV's 185.4 inches and 12.8 cubic feet.
Does the power difference significantly affect driving feel?
Yes, the Ascent boasts 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the Outlander PHEV's 248 hp, suggesting the Ascent will feel quicker when the electric range is depleted.
What is the primary advantage of the Outlander PHEV’s electric range over the Ascent?
The Outlander PHEV offers 38 miles of zero-emission driving, allowing many daily short trips to be completed without consuming any regular unleaded fuel, something the standard-powered Ascent cannot replicate.
Are these vehicles similarly priced?
The prices are very close; the Outlander PHEV starts at $40,445, while the 2026 Ascent begins slightly higher at $40,795, making the PHEV the lower-cost entry point.
How do the transmissions differ between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2025 Outlander PHEV utilizes a 1-speed direct drive system common in hybrids, while the 2026 Ascent employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
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