2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Impreza charges forward with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an admirable 30 MPG combined, offering rugged capability in a nimble wagon package starting at just $24,360. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander asserts dominance with a much punchier 177 hp and a substantial 207 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those needing more hauling strength, despite its Front-Wheel Drive baseline and higher $29,995 MSRP. The Impreza excels in efficiency, delivering superior gas mileage, whereas the larger Outlander (185.8 inches long vs. Impreza's 176.2 inches) provides a taller stance at 68.7 inches. While the Outlander packs 25 more horsepower than the Impreza's 152 hp, the Subaru counterbalances with a $5,635 lower entry cost and better fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and standard AWD capability for adverse conditions.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2026 Outlander is better for families due to its significantly larger overall size, offering more headroom and width, despite having less stated cargo volume.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Outlander for its 207 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Impreza's 145 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza provides outstanding baseline value with an MSRP of $24,360 compared to the Outlander's nearly $6,000 higher starting price.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You prioritize fuel efficiency and want the best efficiency rating of 30 MPG combined.
- Your budget is strict, as the Impreza starts $5,635 lower at $24,360.
- You require standard all-wheel drive capability from the base model.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You need stronger acceleration provided by the 177 hp engine and 207 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a larger crossover profile with a substantial height of 68.7 inches.
- You are willing to sacrifice some efficiency for superior raw power figures.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Mitsubishi Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 185.8" |
| Width | 70.1" | 74.7" |
| Height | 58.3" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front 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 | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | — |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 2 | 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 Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | P235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Impreza and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.
How do the engines compare in outright power between the two vehicles?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is significantly more powerful, boasting 177 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Impreza delivers a modest 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
What is the main drivetrain difference affecting adverse weather driving?
The Subaru Impreza comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, providing better traction foundationally. The Mitsubishi Outlander comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive, requiring an upgrade for AWD capability.
Is the cargo space significantly different when comparing these two vehicles?
Yes, the Impreza wagon offers 20.4 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially more than the Outlander crossover's 10.9 cubic feet, despite the Outlander being physically larger overall.
Which vehicle offers better long-term fuel savings?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the clear efficiency leader, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded fuel. The Outlander's efficiency rating was not specified but it is dimensionally larger and less powerful, suggesting it will likely be less efficient.
What is the price gap between the entry-level versions of these cars?
There is a notable $5,635 difference in MSRP; the Impreza starts at $24,360 while the Outlander begins at $29,995.
Are both cars equipped with automatic transmissions?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for shifting duties.
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