2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Impreza bursts onto the scene as the stalwart wagon champion, offering spirited handling derived from its standard symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and delivering a commendable 30 MPG combined, making its $24,360 entry price exceptionally appealing. Contrarily, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport arrives as the slightly taller crossover competitor, boasting a higher stance at 64.8 inches and carrying a modest MSRP of $24,995. While the Impreza wins the efficiency battle with 34 MPG highway versus the Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway, the Mitsubishi counters with slightly superior utility, offering 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Subaru's 20.4 cu ft. Both cars utilize comparable 152 hp engines, but the Impreza's efficiency edge and engaging wagon profile make it the more frugal choice, whereas the Outlander Sport leans into SUV-like presence.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza offers a clear advantage for daily travel due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is preferred for families due to its taller, more accommodating crossover dimensions and slightly larger 21.7 cu ft cargo capacity.
2025 Subaru Impreza
Enthusiasts will favor the Impreza for its wagon body style and confidence-inspiring standard All-Wheel Drive, despite both vehicles sharing 145 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza provides better long-term ownership value by offering nearly identical performance figures for $635 less and achieving significantly better fuel mileage.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You prioritize excellent fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer the lower, more planted driving dynamics associated with a wagon body style.
- Your budget is firm, as the Impreza starts at $24,360, undercutting the Outlander Sport.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You need maximum utility with 21.7 cubic feet of available cargo space.
- You desire the elevated ride height provided by the Outlander Sport's 64.8-inch height.
- Your driving routine benefits from a marginally wider body stance at 71.3 inches for stability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 171.9" |
| Width | 70.1" | 71.3" |
| Height | 58.3" | 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front 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 | — |
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) | 30 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate 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 | 2 | 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 Material | Steel | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | Full |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | P215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | 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 Sport.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for highway driving?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 34 MPG on the highway compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway rating. This 5 MPG difference is substantial for long-distance commuters.
How do the horsepower and torque figures compare between the two models?
Both vehicles offer very closely matched power plants; the Impreza produces 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, while the Outlander Sport delivers 148 hp and the exact same 145 lb-ft of torque. Neither vehicle offers a substantial power advantage over the other.
Is there a meaningful difference in physical size and cargo capacity?
Yes, the Outlander Sport is taller (64.8 inches vs 58.3 inches) and offers slightly more utility with 21.7 cubic feet of cargo space, edging out the Impreza’s 20.4 cubic feet. However, the Impreza is fractionally longer at 176.2 inches.
What is the price difference when comparing the base models?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza has a lower starting MSRP of $24,360, making it $635 cheaper than the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, which starts at $24,995.
Do both vehicles utilize All-Wheel Drive and the same transmission type?
Affirmative for both specifications; both the Impreza and the Outlander Sport come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability and utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for power delivery.
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