2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$24,445 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a budget-friendly crossover and a slightly more refined package often hinges on small details. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at a compelling $24,445, significantly undercutting the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's $26,995 MSRP. However, that extra cost for the Crosstrek buys noticeable performance gains; the Subaru boasts 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Mitsubishi's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft. While both offer standard All-Wheel Drive, fuel economy favors the Subaru at 29 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined. The Outlander Sport is slightly smaller overall, measuring 171.9 inches long, while the Crosstrek offers a tiny bit more in length at 176.4 inches. Ultimately, the choice comes down to balancing upfront savings against long-term efficiency and power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport wins for commuters due to its lower $24,445 entry price, making daily driving costs lower overall.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The slightly longer 2026 Crosstrek (176.4 inches vs 171.9 inches) and its marginally better efficiency offer a bit more practicality for family duty.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Crosstrek is the clear choice for enthusiasts, offering 32 more horsepower and 33 more lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport provides standard AWD and better upfront savings with an MSRP that is $2,550 less expensive than the Crosstrek.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Your absolute top priority is minimizing the initial purchase price, as the MSRP is only $24,445.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, with a length of 171.9 inches for easier city maneuvering.
You are comfortable with 148 hp if it means saving $2,550 compared to the competing model.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You want more enjoyable passing power, thanks to 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Maximizing fuel economy is important, as the Crosstrek achieves 29 MPG combined versus 26 MPG.
You need marginally more space, as the Crosstrek is longer and offers slightly better highway efficiency at 33 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	171.9"	176.4"
Width	71.3"	70.9"
Height	64.8"	62.8"
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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

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	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓

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	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	52.1 in.	55.1 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.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.6 in.	53.2 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	P225/60R17
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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

How much more power does the Subaru Crosstrek actually have?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek provides a significant boost with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is 32 more horsepower than the 2025 Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft.

Which vehicle will cost less at the gas pump over time?

The 2026 Crosstrek is projected to be more economical, offering 29 MPG combined compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined, using regular unleaded in both cases.

Is the Outlander Sport small enough to be considered a true subcompact crossover?

At 171.9 inches long, the 2025 Outlander Sport is indeed smaller than the 176.4-inch Crosstrek, making it slightly easier to park and navigate tight urban environments.

Do I sacrifice cargo space by picking the cheaper Outlander Sport?

Yes, slightly; the Outlander Sport offers 21.7 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is marginally more than the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft, despite being a smaller overall vehicle.