2025 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$29,995 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the rugged utility of an SUV like the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander and the practical versatility of a modern wagon, the 2026 Subaru Impreza, can be tough for many buyers. The Outlander immediately costs more, starting at $29,995 compared to the Impreza's accessible $26,595, a difference of $3,400 right off the bat. While the Outlander offers more presence (185.8 inches long versus the Impreza's 176.2 inches) and a higher ride height, it sacrifices fuel efficiency, achieving only 27 combined MPG versus the Impreza's 29 combined MPG. Power delivery also favors the Mitsubishi, boasting 181 hp compared to the Impreza's 152 hp, though this comes at the cost of rear space, as the Impreza provides nearly double the maximum cargo volume at 20.4 cu ft versus the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft. Your decision really hinges on whether you prioritize slightly more standard power or superior economy and cargo flexibility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG and lower initial MSRP of $26,595.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is better for families seeking a traditionally sized crossover body style, despite having less cargo space when seats are up.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

Enthusiasts will lean toward the Outlander for its higher output of 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza offers better overall value by being $3,400 cheaper and providing superior fuel economy and cargo capacity.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You need the slightly higher output of 181 hp for highway merging or hauling.
You prefer the commanding road presence and dimensions of a traditional crossover (185.8 inches long).
You are comfortable paying the higher $29,995 MSRP for the Mitsubishi badge and slightly larger standard build.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Saving money is a priority, as the Impreza undercuts the Outlander by $3,400.
You frequently carry large items, leveraging the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft of cargo space.
You value slightly better fuel efficiency, as the Impreza achieves 33 MPG highway versus 31 MPG highway in the Outlander.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander	Subaru Impreza
Length	185.8"	176.2"
Width	74.7"	70.1"
Height	68.7"	58.3"
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 Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	181 hp @ 6000 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 3600 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	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	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	348.0/449.5 mi.	448.2/547.8 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	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
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	✓	✓
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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

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	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	225/40R18
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 Impreza.

Is the 2026 Subaru Impreza actually practical, even though it's smaller?

Absolutely. While the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is physically larger at 185.8 inches long, the Impreza wagon maximizes its space with 20.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft minimum.

How much more power does the Outlander really offer?

The Outlander provides a noticeable advantage with 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. This 29 hp difference will be felt most during quick accelerations.

Which vehicle is the better long-distance commuter regarding running costs?

The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the better choice for frequent commuting, netting 29 combined MPG, which beats the Outlander's 27 combined MPG. Both use regular unleaded fuel, keeping fueling costs predictable.

Why is the Outlander priced $3,400 higher than the Impreza?

The $29,995 MSRP for the Outlander reflects its classification as a crossover, offering greater height (68.7 inches vs. the Impreza's 58.3 inches) and marginally better highway fuel economy specifications when equipped with FWD.

Does the Impreza’s standard All-Wheel Drive outweigh the Outlander’s FWD?

Yes, for drivers prioritizing traction, the Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive system is a significant advantage over the Outlander's standard Front Wheel Drive setup, especially in poor weather conditions.

If I prioritize a better driving feel, which should I choose?

If excitement matters, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is the pick due to its 29 more horsepower available, despite both vehicles using a Continuously Variable-speed Automatic Transmission.