2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander steps up with a bolder, larger presence, boasting 181 horsepower and a robust 181 lb-ft of torque, aiming for comfort and scale despite its 27 combined MPG. In contrast, the nimble 2026 Subaru Crosstrek thrills with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and superior efficiency, achieving 29 combined MPG, though its 180 horsepower trails slightly. While the Outlander is substantially longer at 185.8 inches, the Crosstrek maximizes utility in a smaller footprint, offering a commanding 19.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft. The Crosstrek's lower $26,995 MSRP also presents an immediate financial appeal over the Outlander's $29,995 entry price. For those prioritizing urban agility and fuel sipping, the Crosstrek shines; for a more substantial highway cruiser feel, the Outlander offers more presence.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 29 combined MPG versus the Outlander's 27.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is better for families because its larger dimensions (185.8 inches long) suggest more passenger volume and cabin comfort.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts will favor the standard All-Wheel Drive system of the Crosstrek, offering superior traction over the Outlander's FWD setup.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek presents superior value starting at $26,995, offering better MPG and AWD standard at a lower cost than the Outlander.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prioritize a physically larger vehicle, evidenced by its 185.8-inch length and 68.7-inch height.
- You need the slightly higher torque output of 181 lb-ft available in the Outlander's powertrain.
- You prefer a traditional FWD setup with a slightly higher highway MPG rating of 31 MPG compared to the Crosstrek's FWD counterpart (assuming a direct comparison, though Crosstrek is standard AWD).
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You prioritize maximum cargo hauling, as the Crosstrek offers 19.9 cu ft, nearly doubling the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
- You want the advantage of standard All-Wheel Drive performance for varied road conditions.
- Budget is a primary concern, with the Crosstrek starting $3,000 less expensive at $26,995.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 176.4" |
| Width | 74.7" | 70.9" |
| Height | 68.7" | 62.8" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 55.1 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. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.2 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 | P225/60R17 |
| 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
How much smaller is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek compared to the 2025 Outlander?
The Subaru Crosstrek is noticeably more compact; it is 176.4 inches long compared to the Outlander's 185.8 inches, making the Crosstrek easier to maneuver in tight city parking spots.
Which crossover is more efficient for daily driving?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek wins on efficiency with a combined 29 MPG (26 City/33 Highway), slightly edging out the 2025 Outlander’s 27 combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway).
Why would I choose the Outlander despite its lower MPG?
You would choose the Outlander if sheer size matters more than efficiency, as it is wider (74.7 inches vs 70.9 inches) and taller (68.7 inches vs 62.8 inches), suggesting a more commanding road presence.
What is the real-world difference in usable space between these two vehicles?
Despite its smaller exterior dimensions, the Crosstrek boasts 19.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, vastly superior to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft, suggesting better interior packaging efficiency.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable.
How close are their engine power outputs?
The power outputs are virtually identical, with the Outlander offering 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, just one unit more than the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft.
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