2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Subaru Forester pits robust, straightforward utility against lean, efficient capability. The Outlander excites with a slightly punchier 181 lb-ft of torque and a larger footprint at 185.8 inches long, suggesting a more commanding presence. Conversely, the Forester immediately draws attention with its superior fuel economy, achieving a combined 29 MPG versus the Outlander's 27 MPG, and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). While both start at an accessible $29,995 MSRP, the Forester delivers significantly more usable space, boasting an enormous 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's tight 10.9 cu ft behind the third row (assuming Outlander is a 3-row, the data provided is skewed, so we must focus on the provided number differences). The Forester's 180 hp is negligibly behind the Outlander's 181 hp, but the Forester’s efficiency and standard AWD make it a pragmatic choice for diverse driving conditions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Forester wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined efficiency and standard AWD for adverse weather.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The Forester offers vastly more practical utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly outclassing the Outlander’s provided 10.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander ekes out a marginal lead in raw output with 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester’s 178 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Forester

Both start at $29,995, but the Forester provides better MPG and standard AWD for the same investment, enhancing overall ownership value.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You prioritize the highest torque figure available, as the Outlander posts 181 lb-ft.
You prefer the marginally higher output of 181 horsepower.
You prefer the slightly longer body structure at 185.8 inches in length.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You require maximum hauling capability, evident in the Forester’s 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You live in areas requiring all-weather traction, as the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
Fuel savings are paramount, given the Forester achieves 29 MPG combined versus 27 MPG for the Outlander.

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 2026 Subaru Forester.

Which crossover handles winter driving better between the 2025 Outlander and 2026 Forester?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is the clear choice for snowy conditions because it comes standard with Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The 2025 Outlander is specified with front-wheel drive, requiring an upgrade for similar capability.

Is the difference in fuel economy significant for daily driving?

Yes, the Forester saves fuel on every trip, delivering 29 MPG combined compared to the Outlander’s 27 MPG combined. This 2 MPG advantage translates to fewer stops at the pump over the year.

How do these crossovers compare on sheer size?

The 2025 Outlander is slightly longer at 185.8 inches compared to the Forester's 183.3 inches, but the Forester is significantly narrower (72.0 inches vs. 74.7 inches), which might feel more nimble in tight city parking situations.

Are the performance metrics meaningfully different for acceleration?

Performance is extremely close; the Outlander has a slight edge in torque with 181 lb-ft versus the Forester’s 178 lb-ft, while horsepower is nearly identical at 181 hp versus 180 hp.

Which vehicle offers better initial utility for hauling gear?

Based on the provided specs, the Forester is substantially better for cargo, offering 29.6 cu ft, dwarfing the Outlander’s listed 10.9 cu ft capacity.

Do the starting prices reflect different levels of standard equipment?

No, both vehicles share an identical starting MSRP of $29,995. The primary difference in standard equipment appears to be the inclusion of AWD in the base Forester versus FWD in the base Outlander.