2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander lies in fuel economy, where the Outback delivers a 28 MPG combined rating versus an unspecified but lower rating for the Outlander (given its FWD setup vs Outback's standard AWD, we can infer a substantial difference in expected highway efficiency). Both crossovers launch at an identical $29,995 MSRP. Power delivery varies; the Outback produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the Outlander counters with lower horsepower at 177 hp but achieves a notably higher torque figure of 207 lb-ft. Dimensional differences are also key: the Outback measures 191.1 inches long, offering significantly more utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo space, contrasting sharply with the Outlander's shorter 185.8-inch length and substantially smaller 10.9 cu ft cargo volume. Both utilize CVT transmissions, though the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive, whereas the base Outlander is Front-Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback secures the commuter win due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy rating and standard AWD capability for varied road conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Outback is favored for families by offering significantly more usable space, boasting 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

Enthusiasts may prefer the Outlander for its greater peak torque output of 207 lb-ft, which should translate to better low-end responsiveness compared to the Outback's 176 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Outback

While priced identically at $29,995, the Outback offers better base value by including All-Wheel Drive and achieving higher fuel efficiency metrics.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You prioritize consistent efficiency, relying on the 26/32 MPG city/highway rating for daily use.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is a mandatory feature for your driving environment.
Maximum utility is required, evidenced by its segment-leading 32.6 cu ft of dedicated cargo space.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You prioritize immediate low-end responsiveness, as indicated by the 207 lb-ft torque figure.
A slightly taller stance is preferred, as the Outlander stands 68.7 inches high compared to the Outback's 66.1 inches.
You prefer the narrower footprint of the Outlander, measuring 74.7 inches wide versus the Outback's 73.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Outback	Mitsubishi Outlander
Length	191.1"	185.8"
Width	73.0"	74.7"
Height	66.1"	68.7"
Wheelbase	108.1"	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	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
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	mild hybrid
Horsepower	182 hp @ 5800 rpm	177 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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)	26/32 MPG	—
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	—
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	481.0/592.0 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	14.5 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	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	40.1 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.5 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 Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	57.4 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.8 in.	53.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
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	225/65R H	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 Outback and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.

What is the main operational difference between the standard AWD Outback and the FWD Outlander?

The 2025 Subaru Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which provides enhanced traction stability on slick surfaces. The base 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ships with Front-Wheel Drive, which typically optimizes fuel economy slightly but limits performance in low-traction scenarios.

How does the cargo volume discrepancy affect usability?

The Outback provides 32.6 cu ft of cargo volume, significantly more than the Outlander’s 10.9 cu ft. This nearly threefold difference means the Outback is much better suited for hauling large gear or extensive luggage capacity for families.

If I drive minimally, which car has better base power metrics?

The Outback has a modest advantage in peak horsepower, achieving 182 hp versus the Outlander's 177 hp. However, the Outlander counters with substantially more torque at 207 lb-ft compared to the Outback's 176 lb-ft.

Are there any pricing differences between the two base models?

No, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander start with an identical MSRP of $29,995.

How does the body size affect maneuverability or parking?

The Outlander is shorter in length (185.8 inches vs. 191.1 inches for the Outback), which could aid slightly in parallel parking. However, the Outlander is wider at 74.7 inches compared to the Outback's 73.0 inches.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander specify that they use regular unleaded fuel, keeping ongoing fuel costs predictable for both powertrains.