2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2025 Subaru Forester pits rugged capability against straightforward efficiency at an identical starting price of $29,995. The Outlander bursts onto the scene with marginally more muscle, boasting 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, promising a bit more pep when merging. However, the Forester counters with superior efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG versus the Outlander's 27 MPG, hinting at lower running costs. While the Outlander is slightly larger externally at 185.8 inches long, the Forester leverages its dimensions for an astounding 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity—dramatically eclipsing the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft figure, despite the Outlander's potentially roomier cabin feel. Fundamentally, the Forester champions all-weather security with its standard AWD, while the base Outlander sticks to FWD, making the Subaru the default choice for buyers prioritizing traction over the Mitsubishi's marginally higher highway rating of 31 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is the commuter winner due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers substantially more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander provides a slight edge in sheer output with 181 lb-ft of torque versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Forester
Since both start at $29,995, the Forester offers greater inherent value through standard All-Wheel Drive and better mileage.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prioritize slightly more engine torque (181 lb-ft) on the base trim.
- You prefer the slightly larger exterior footprint (185.8 inches long) for a bolder stance.
- You live in consistently dry climates where standard FWD is adequate for your driving needs.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You demand maximum hauling capability, benefiting from 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You need confidence in adverse weather, as the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You want better fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Outlander's 27 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 183.3" |
| Width | 74.7" | 72.0" |
| Height | 68.7" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | front 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) | 24/31 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 348.0/449.5 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.6 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | 225/60R H |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2025 Subaru Forester.
Which crossover is inherently more capable in snow and ice?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is the clear choice for inclement weather because it comes standard with Subaru's renowned All-Wheel Drive system, whereas the base 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander utilizes a Front Wheel Drive configuration.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two models?
The difference is noticeable over time; the Forester achieves 29 MPG combined (26/33 City/Highway), offering a two MPG advantage over the Outlander's 27 MPG combined (24/31 City/Highway).
Is there a substantial difference in power between the two base models?
The power disparity is minimal, with the Outlander offering 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, just slightly edging out the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear?
The Subaru Forester is overwhelmingly superior for utility, boasting a massive 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dramatically exceeding the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft in this comparison.
Since both cars start at $29,995, which one is the better value proposition?
Given the identical starting MSRP, the Forester typically provides better value by including standard AWD, which is often an extra cost option on competitors, alongside better fuel economy.
How do the exterior dimensions compare?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is slightly larger overall, measuring 185.8 inches in length and 74.7 inches in width, making it bulkier than the Forester (183.3 inches long and 72.0 inches wide).
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