2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the 30 horsepower advantage held by the Outback (182 hp vs. 152 hp). Despite this power deficit, the Eclipse Cross undercuts the Outback's MSRP by $2,300, starting at $27,695 compared to $29,995. Fuel economy is marginally better for the Subaru, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Mitsubishi's 26 MPG combined. However, the Outback also boasts substantially larger dimensions, measuring 191.1 inches long versus 179.0 inches, which translates directly to a 9.2 cubic foot advantage in cargo capacity (32.6 cu ft vs. 23.4 cu ft). While the Eclipse Cross offers slightly more torque at 184 lb-ft compared to the Outback's 176 lb-ft, the Outback maintains superior overall output for acceleration and highway merging.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback offers better highway fuel economy at 32 MPG, aiding lower running costs for daily driving.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback provides significantly more usable space with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback's 182 hp engine provides a distinct performance margin over the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp output.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross presents a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $27,695, saving buyers $2,300 over the Outback.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Maximum utility is required, as the Outback offers 32.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
- You prioritize outright engine power, benefiting from 182 hp compared to 152 hp.
- Optimal fuel efficiency is necessary, delivering 32 MPG on the highway cycle.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- Sticking strictly to a lower initial budget is paramount, given the $27,695 MSRP.
- Slightly higher torque output (184 lb-ft) is preferred for initial throttle response.
- Maneuverability is key, utilizing its shorter 179.0-inch overall length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 179.0" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.1" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/32 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 40.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 in. | 53.0 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 Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Outback and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Which crossover is physically larger, the 2025 Outback or the 2026 Eclipse Cross?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is substantially larger, measuring 191.1 inches in length compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at 179.0 inches. This 12.1-inch length difference contributes directly to the Outback’s superior cargo capacity.
How does the starting price difference affect long-term ownership value?
The Eclipse Cross starts $2,300 cheaper at $27,695, offering better initial value. However, the Outback’s 2 MPG combined advantage (28 MPG vs. 26 MPG) may slightly offset this gap over extended mileage due to lower fuel consumption.
Is the Outback's extra horsepower worth the higher initial cost for daily driving?
For drivers who frequently encounter highway merging situations or desire quicker acceleration, the Outback's 182 hp is a tangible benefit over the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp. While both use AWD and CVT transmissions, the extra 30 hp is noticeable.
Does the torque figure suggest the Eclipse Cross is quicker off the line than the Outback?
The 2026 Eclipse Cross actually produces higher peak torque at 184 lb-ft compared to the Outback's 176 lb-ft. Despite this, the Outback’s significant 30 hp advantage usually results in superior overall performance metrics.
Are the driving dynamics significantly different given the comparable standard drive types?
Both vehicles feature standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT). The primary dynamic difference stems from the Outback’s larger footprint and higher output, while the Eclipse Cross is smaller and marginally lighter in its physical footprint.
What is the specific difference in usable rear storage volume?
The 2025 Subaru Outback offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row. This is significantly more than the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which provides 23.4 cubic feet of storage space.
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