2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 battle of the sensible crossovers pits the Mitsubishi Outlander against the Subaru Outback, both starting identically at an accessible $29,995. The Outlander excites with a marginally stronger torque figure of 181 lb-ft, although its FWD configuration and 27 MPG combined mileage sit behind the standard Outback. The Outback immediately stakes its claim with symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability and superior efficiency, netting 28 MPG combined. While the Outlander is the shorter vehicle at 185.8 inches, the Outback offers vastly more utility, boasting a cavernous 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Outlander's tight 10.9 cu ft minimum. Performance is neck-and-neck, with the Outback pushing out 182 hp versus the Outlander’s 181 hp, making the choice heavily dependent on prioritizing cargo volume and traction over slightly different interior dimensions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG compared to the Outlander's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Outback is the clear family choice, offering nearly three times the usable storage space with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Outback

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the standard All-Wheel Drive system in the Outback, providing better dynamic handling than the FWD Outlander.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Outback

Despite sharing the same $29,995 MSRP, the Outback provides significantly more standard capability (AWD) and utility (cargo volume) for the money.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You prefer a slightly shorter overall vehicle length of 185.8 inches for easier city maneuvering.
You only require 181 lb-ft of torque, as that is the peak offered by the Outlander's powertrain.
You are satisfied with the FWD configuration and its associated slightly different fuel economy split (24/31 MPG).

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

All-Wheel Drive is a mandatory feature for handling variable road conditions.
Maximum utility is crucial, as the Outback offers a substantial 32.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
You aim for the highest standard efficiency, achieving 28 MPG combined.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander	Subaru Outback
Length	185.8"	191.1"
Width	74.7"	73.0"
Height	68.7"	66.1"
Wheelbase	106.5"	108.1"

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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
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	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 3600 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	front 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)	24/31 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	348.0/449.5 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	18.5 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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.9 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	55.5 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.9 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	225/65R 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 Outback.

Which crossover is inherently better equipped for foul weather driving conditions?

The 2025 Subaru Outback is the superior choice for foul weather because it comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, offering better traction than the Front Wheel Drive setup standard on the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two models?

The Subaru Outback leads slightly with 28 MPG combined, edging out the Mitsubishi Outlander's 27 MPG combined rating, though both utilize regular unleaded fuel.

If I frequently haul gear, which vehicle provides substantially more space?

The Outback offers dramatically more usable space, clocking in at 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.

Are the engine performances very different between the two Crossovers?

Performance figures are extremely close; the Outback delivers 182 horsepower to the Outlander's 181 horsepower, with the Outlander having slightly more torque at 181 lb-ft versus Subaru's 176 lb-ft.

Since the MSRP is identical at $29,995, what justifies the Outback's better value perception?

The Outback justifies its value by including AWD standard, a key feature, and providing nearly three times the cargo space without increasing the starting price above the FWD Outlander.

Are there major dimensional differences affecting parking or garage fit?

Yes, the Outlander is slightly shorter in length (185.8 inches vs. 191.1 inches for the Outback), but the Outback is notably lower in height (66.1 inches vs. 68.7 inches for the Outlander).