2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport bursts onto the scene as the budget champion, starting at just $24,445, immediately challenging the slightly more premium $29,995 entry of the 2026 Subaru Forester. The Outlander Sport offers agile dimensions at 171.9 inches long, perfect for tight urban navigation, though its 148 hp engine feels adequate rather than thrilling. Conversely, the Forester flexes its muscles with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, providing a much more confident surge of power when merging onto highways. While the Forester leads in efficiency with 29 combined MPG compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG, the Mitsubishi's lower initial outlay is a significant draw. The larger Forester boasts superior utility, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the Outlander Sport’s 21.7 cubic feet, cementing its appeal for practical pursuits.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport's lower MSRP of $24,445 makes it the immediate winner for budget-conscious daily driving.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Forester is the superior family hauler due to its significantly larger 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Outlander Sport's 148 hp output.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Despite having less power, the Outlander Sport offers standard AWD in a smaller package for a $5,550 lower price point.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your budget is strictly capped, as the Outlander Sport saves you $5,550 upfront.
- You prioritize maneuverability in cramped city environments due to its shorter 171.9-inch length.
- You are comfortable with adequate power (148 hp) in exchange for a lower base price.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 21.7 cu ft.
- You require stronger acceleration provided by 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
- Better fuel economy is a priority, as the Forester achieves 29 combined MPG.
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
Is the extra cost of the 2026 Subaru Forester worth the performance upgrade over the Outlander Sport?
If exhilarating driving is key, yes; the Forester provides 32 more horsepower (180 hp vs. 148 hp) and 33 more lb-ft of torque. However, this comes with a $5,550 higher starting MSRP, meaning buyers must weigh power against immediate savings.
Which crossover is better equipped for long road trips involving luggage?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is significantly better equipped for luggage, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. The 2025 Outlander Sport trails notably with only 21.7 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.
How do the fuel economy figures compare between these two AWD competitors?
The Forester exhibits superior efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG (26 city/33 highway). The Outlander Sport is rated slightly lower at 26 combined MPG (23 city/29 highway), despite both running on regular unleaded fuel.
Does the smaller size of the Outlander Sport affect its usability?
The Outlander Sport is indeed shorter in length (171.9 inches vs. 183.3 inches for the Forester), making it slightly easier to parallel park and navigate dense traffic. However, this compact exterior correlates directly with reduced interior cargo space.
Are both crossovers equipped with comparable transmissions?
Yes, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Subaru Forester utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission paired with standard All-Wheel Drive.
What is the maximum power deficit the Outlander Sport has compared to the Forester?
The Outlander Sport produces 148 hp, creating a 32 hp gap behind the Forester's 180 hp. This difference will be noticeable during quick maneuvers or highway passing situations.
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