2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a compact crossover and a slightly larger wagon can feel like a puzzle, especially when both offer standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts strong with a lower MSRP of $24,445 compared to the 2026 Subaru Impreza at $26,595. However, the Impreza pulls ahead in efficiency, boasting a combined 29 MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG, which matters on long drives. Performance is nearly a wash, with the Impreza holding a slight 152 hp edge over the Outlander Sport’s 148 hp. While the Outlander Sport is taller at 64.8 inches, its cargo space is slightly larger at 21.7 cubic feet against the Impreza’s 20.4 cubic feet. Ultimately, these two trade blows on price versus efficiency in the crowded small vehicle segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers a marginally more practical shape for families with its slightly taller stance and higher 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2026 Subaru Impreza
While both feature CVT transmissions and AWD, the Impreza offers a slight power advantage with 152 horsepower.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport wins on pure upfront cost, starting $2,150 cheaper than the Impreza at an MSRP of $24,445.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible entry price, as the Outlander Sport starts at $24,445.
- You prefer the higher ride height typical of a crossover (64.8 inches tall).
- You need the maximum available utility space, offering 21.7 cubic feet for gear.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Fuel savings matter, given the Impreza’s 33 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer the stable feel of a lower-riding wagon (58.3 inches high).
- You want a slight performance edge, as the Impreza makes 152 horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 176.2" |
| Width | 71.3" | 70.1" |
| Height | 64.8" | 58.3" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | 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. |
| 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 Impreza.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for long highway trips?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is clearly better on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway rating. This 4 MPG difference will save you money over the course of a year.
Is the Outlander Sport actually bigger inside than the Impreza wagon?
Despite the Impreza being longer overall (176.2 inches vs. 171.9 inches), the Outlander Sport offers more dedicated vertical cargo volume at 21.7 cubic feet versus the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
Do I get standard All-Wheel Drive on both models?
Yes, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Subaru Impreza come equipped with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is excellent for variable weather conditions.
How much more power do I get with the Impreza?
The Impreza has a minor horsepower advantage, producing 152 hp compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp; however, both vehicles share the same 145 lb-ft of torque rating.
Which vehicle will cost less to purchase right now?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the cheaper option upfront, with an MSRP of $24,445 versus the Impreza's $26,595. That's an immediate savings of $2,150.
Are these vehicles significantly different in size or shape?
They have distinct forms: the Outlander Sport is a traditional compact crossover that sits taller at 64.8 inches, while the Impreza is a lower-slung wagon, standing only 58.3 inches high.
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