2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2025 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport grips the road with surprising agility in a compact footprint, starting at an aggressive MSRP of $24,445 and delivering 148 hp. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback offers substantial grown-up refinement, commanding a higher starting price of $29,995 but rewarding drivers with 182 hp and superior space. The Outback clearly dominates in utility, boasting 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet. However, the smaller Mitsubishi shines in efficiency, achieving 29 MPG highway versus the Outback's 32 MPG highway, a small difference considering the $5,550 price gap. While the Outback packs 34 more horsepower for better highway merging, the Outlander Sport’s shorter 171.9-inch length makes it nimbler in tight urban grids where every inch counts.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The lower starting MSRP of $24,445 and slightly superior city MPG of 23 make the Outlander Sport the more budget-conscious daily driver.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback provides significantly more room with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity for hauling family gear.
2025 Subaru Outback
Enthusiasts will favor the Outback due to its robust 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Outlander Sport's performance figures.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Despite being less powerful, the Outlander Sport offers AWD capability at a $5,550 lower entry price, presenting a better immediate cost proposition.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your budget demands the lowest possible entry price for a new AWD crossover, starting at just $24,445.
- You prioritize maneuverability and parking ease due to its shorter 171.9-inch length.
- You seek a slightly better combined fuel economy (26 MPG) without paying the premium for the Outback's larger engine.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You need serious hauling capability, benefiting from the Outback's substantial 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You want noticeably quicker acceleration and passing power from the 182 hp engine.
- You prioritize highway cruising comfort, as indicated by the Outback's higher 32 MPG highway rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 191.1" |
| Width | 71.3" | 73.0" |
| Height | 64.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 26/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 39.4 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 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 | 37.9 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outlander Sport and 2025 Subaru Outback.
Is the 2025 Subaru Outback much larger to drive in the city than the 2025 Outlander Sport?
Yes, the Outback is considerably larger; its length measures 191.1 inches, compared to the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches, which translates to easier parking and navigating for the smaller Mitsubishi.
What is the true cost difference between these two AWD crossovers?
The Subaru Outback starts at $29,995, representing a $5,550 increase over the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's base MSRP of $24,445.
How much more power does the Outback offer for freeway driving?
The Outback delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, giving it a distinct advantage over the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp and 145 lb-ft figures.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for routine driving?
While both use regular unleaded, the Outback narrowly leads in efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport’s 26 combined MPG.
Does the Outlander Sport offer enough cargo space for daily errands?
The Outlander Sport provides 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is functional for groceries or small luggage, but substantially less than the Outback's 32.6 cubic feet.
Are the transmissions different between the two models?
No, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2025 Subaru Outback utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for power delivery.
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