2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence lies in fuel efficiency, where the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek achieves a 29 MPG combined, outperforming the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined—a notable 3 MPG advantage. Despite the efficiency edge, the Outlander Sport undercuts the Crosstrek on entry price by $1,565, starting at $24,995 versus $26,560. Performance metrics are extremely close; both vehicles generate an identical 145 lb-ft of torque, while the Crosstrek offers 152 horsepower to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp. In terms of utility, the smaller Crosstrek (176.4 inches long) sacrifices 1.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space compared to the 2026 Outlander Sport (21.7 cu ft vs 19.9 cu ft), although the Outlander Sport is slightly taller at 64.8 inches. Both utilize standard all-wheel drive systems and continuously variable-speed automatic transmissions, making the decision hinge primarily on budget versus running costs and slight dimensional trade-offs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek secures the commuter win due to its superior 34 MPG highway rating, promising lower annual fuel expenditure.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport offers slightly more accessible utility with 21.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek holds a marginal advantage with 152 horsepower, slightly exceeding the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport offers a lower entry MSRP of $24,995, undercutting the Crosstrek by $1,565.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You prioritize superior fuel economy, evidenced by the 29 MPG combined rating.
- You require the marginally higher horsepower output of 152 hp.
- You prefer the slightly longer 176.4-inch overall vehicle length for potential stability.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Sticking to a strict budget is key, given the $24,995 starting MSRP.
- Maximum cargo volume is necessary, as 21.7 cu ft exceeds the competitor's 19.9 cu ft.
- You prefer a marginally taller stance, with the Outlander Sport measuring 64.8 inches high.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 171.9" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.3" |
| Height | 62.8" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 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 | all 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 | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 363.4/458.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 15.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| 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. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 52.1 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
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 Sport.
What is the exact horsepower and torque difference between the 2025 Crosstrek and 2026 Outlander Sport?
The two crossovers have nearly identical torque figures, both rating at 145 lb-ft. However, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek generates 152 horsepower, which is 4 hp more than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s 148 hp.
Which vehicle has a lower starting price, the Crosstrek or the Outlander Sport?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the more affordable entry point, with an MSRP of $24,995. This undercuts the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's starting price of $26,560 by $1,565.
How do their fuel efficiency ratings compare for highway driving?
The 2025 Crosstrek offers better highway efficiency, rated at 34 MPG highway compared to the Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway. This results in a 5 MPG difference in favor of the Subaru on the open road.
Does one vehicle offer significantly more interior storage space?
Yes, the 2026 Outlander Sport provides greater utility with 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2025 Crosstrek offers 19.9 cubic feet, making the Outlander Sport superior for hauling.
Are the drive systems and transmissions different between these two AWD crossovers?
No, both vehicles share identical foundational mechanics: they both utilize an all-wheel drive system and employ a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is physically larger overall?
The 2025 Crosstrek is longer at 176.4 inches compared to the Outlander Sport’s 171.9 inches. Conversely, the Outlander Sport is slightly taller at 64.8 inches versus the Crosstrek’s 62.8 inches.
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