2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport blasts onto the scene offering raw accessibility with an MSRP of just $24,445, immediately undercutting the 2025 Subaru Forester by a substantial $5,550. The Forester counters with superior capability, boasting 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Outlander Sport's 148 hp output. While the Outlander Sport is agile at 171.9 inches long, the Forester provides genuine utility with a larger footprint (183.3 inches) and significantly more cargo volume at 29.6 cu ft compared to the Mitsubishi's 21.7 cu ft. Fuel economy favors Subaru, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG, even with both offering standard All-Wheel Drive. Ultimately, the choice hinges on prioritizing budget entry against demonstrable power and space superiority.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport wins for commuters primarily due to its lower entry price of $24,445, offering a budget-friendly AWD solution.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester is the superior family hauler, offering greater passenger and cargo utility with 29.6 cu ft of space.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester provides a decidedly more engaging drive with its 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport delivers AWD capability at the lowest possible cost point, maximizing initial budget value.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your absolute top priority is minimizing the purchase price, as it undercuts the Forester by $5,550.
- You prefer a slightly more compact exterior length of 171.9 inches for easier urban maneuvering.
- You are content with the 148 hp output for non-demanding daily driving duties.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You need serious hauling capacity, as the Forester offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You desire better highway range and efficiency, as the Forester achieves 33 highway MPG.
- You want a noticeable performance advantage, provided by an extra 32 horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.3" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.8" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 16.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.7 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.9 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 225/60R 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 Outlander Sport and 2025 Subaru Forester.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Forester compared to the Outlander Sport?
The 2025 Subaru Forester boasts 180 horsepower, giving it a significant 32 hp advantage over the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s 148 hp rating. This power difference translates into better acceleration and easier merging capability.
Which vehicle offers the better deal if I need maximum utility for my $30,000 budget?
While the Outlander Sport is cheaper upfront, the Forester provides better overall utility for slightly more money; it offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. If utility outweighs the initial $5,550 price gap, the Forester is the clear winner.
Are there significant fuel economy benefits between these two AWD crossovers?
Yes, the Forester is notably more efficient, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG. The Forester also achieves 33 highway MPG versus the Mitsubishi's 29 highway MPG.
Which vehicle is physically larger for overall road presence?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is the larger vehicle across all dimensions, measuring 183.3 inches long and 68.1 inches high. The Outlander Sport is comparatively smaller at 171.9 inches long and 64.8 inches high.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
Both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2025 Subaru Forester specify the use of regular unleaded fuel for operation. This is a common cost-saving factor for both competitors.
What is the transmission type utilized in both the Outlander Sport and Forester?
Interestingly, both the Outlander Sport and the Forester utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. This means neither vehicle offers a traditional geared automatic option.
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