2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The age-old crossover conundrum: Do you prioritize legendary traction and stellar fuel economy, or do you lean towards more passenger space and added power? The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, starting at $26,560, hits the efficiency mark hard with a 29 combined MPG, perfect for maximizing daily commutes while utilizing its standard All-Wheel Drive. Conversely, the larger 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, priced at $29,995, offers a noticeable power bump with 177 hp versus the Crosstrek's 152 hp, though this comes at the cost of slightly lower fuel economy and standard Front-Wheel Drive. The Outlander is also physically larger, standing 6.3 inches taller and 3.8 inches wider. While the Crosstrek boasts nearly double the usable cargo space at 19.9 cu ft compared to the Outlander’s 10.9 cu ft, the Outlander promises more muscle for towing or highway merging.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and standard AWD for slippery conditions.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander is slightly better suited for families due to its larger overall dimensions (especially height and width) suggesting a roomier cabin feel, despite having less listed cargo space.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 177 hp and significantly greater torque of 207 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek provides excellent value by being $3,435 cheaper and offering much better fuel efficiency at 29 MPG combined.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You need the absolute best gas mileage, netting 29 combined MPG.
- Your budget is strict, as the MSRP starts $3,435 lower at $26,560.
- You prioritize maneuverability and utility, benefiting from its standard AWD and 19.9 cu ft of cargo room.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You prefer more engine punch, as the Outlander provides 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
- You need a taller, wider stance, as the Outlander is 62.8 inches tall.
- You plan on using it more for highway cruising where the extra power will be useful, despite its FWD setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 185.8" |
| Width | 70.9" | 74.7" |
| Height | 62.8" | 68.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | — |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Is the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek more fuel-efficient than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Yes, the Crosstrek is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 29 MPG from its 152 hp engine. The Outlander returns less efficiency, though its exact MPG figures aren't specified, it is less likely to match the Crosstrek's 27 city/34 highway rating.
Which vehicle is better for slippery roads: the Crosstrek or the Outlander?
The Crosstrek is the clear winner here, as it comes standard with Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system. The 2026 Outlander is specified with front-wheel drive only for this trim comparison.
Why is the Outlander significantly more expensive than the Crosstrek?
The Outlander carries a $3,435 price premium, starting at $29,995 compared to the Crosstrek's $26,560 MSRP. This difference likely covers the increased power output (177 hp vs 152 hp) and larger physical size.
Which crossover offers more usable storage space?
Surprisingly, the smaller Crosstrek offers nearly double the listed cargo capacity at 19.9 cubic feet versus the Outlander’s 10.9 cubic feet. This suggests the Outlander might prioritize passenger space in its larger 185.8-inch frame.
If I want more performance, which crossover should I look at?
The 2026 Outlander is the choice for better acceleration, delivering 177 hp and a robust 207 lb-ft of torque. The Crosstrek trails with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
Are both vehicles the same size?
No, the Outlander is substantially larger in key dimensions; it is 9.4 inches longer (185.8 inches vs 176.4 inches) and 3.8 inches wider than the Crosstrek.
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