2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,445 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between plug-in flexibility and traditional value is tough, and the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV versus the 2026 Subaru Outback highlights this perfectly. The Mitsubishi commands a higher starting price of $40,445 compared to the Outback's $34,995, a difference of $5,450. However, the Outlander offers 248 hp and an electric range of 38 miles, potentially saving fuel on short trips, despite its slightly lower combined 26 MPG when running as a hybrid. The Outback counters with superior space, boasting 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mitsubishi's tight 12.8 cu ft, and slightly better highway fuel economy at 31 MPG. Ultimately, this choice hinges on whether you prioritize that electric boost and 248 horsepower or the Outback's larger dimensions and $5,450 savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV allows commuters to cover up to 38 miles solely on electric power, reducing daily gas consumption.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback offers significantly more utility with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 12.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

With 248 hp, the Outlander PHEV provides 68 more horsepower than the Outback's 180 hp rating, making it the quicker vehicle.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins on upfront cost, starting $5,450 cheaper than the Outlander PHEV.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if...

You want the higher performance provided by 248 horsepower.
Your daily driving loop is consistently under 38 miles, allowing frequent EV-only trips.
You prefer the simplicity of a 1-speed direct drive transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum cargo space is critical, as it offers 34.6 cu ft versus 12.8 cu ft.
You want to save $5,450 immediately on the purchase price ($34,995 MSRP).
You prioritize maximizing highway fuel efficiency, achieving 31 MPG versus the PHEV's 27 MPG combined rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Subaru Outback
Length	185.4"	191.7"
Width	84.4"	74.0"
Height	68.5"	67.5"
Wheelbase	106.5"	108.1"

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	3
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	248 hp	180 hp @ 5800 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	—	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	370.0/399.6 mi.	450.0/558.0 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.	18.0 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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.1 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)	—	✓
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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
One-Piece Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	225/60R H
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside 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 Outback.

How much more practical is the Subaru Outback for carrying gear?

The Outback is substantially more practical for hauling items, offering a massive 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2025 Outlander PHEV only provides 12.8 cu ft, making the Subaru the clear choice for larger families or frequent haulers.

Is the Outlander PHEV's electric range enough for typical city driving?

The 2025 Outlander PHEV offers a 38-mile electric range, which is sufficient for many daily commutes. If your round trip is shorter than this, you benefit from reduced reliance on regular unleaded gas.

Which vehicle is significantly faster off the line?

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is considerably faster due to its powertrain advantage, generating 248 hp. The Subaru Outback is rated at 180 hp, meaning the Mitsubishi has a significant 68 hp edge.

What is the real-world fuel economy comparison?

When operating as a hybrid, the Outlander PHEV achieves a combined 26 MPG, while the standard Outback manages 27 MPG combined. However, the Outback gets better highway mileage at 31 MPG versus the PHEV's 27 MPG highway rating.

How do the dimensions affect maneuverability in tight spots?

The Subaru Outback is noticeably narrower at 74.0 inches compared to the Outlander's 84.4 inches (likely including mirrors), which could aid in tight parking situations. The Outback is also longer by about 6 inches.