2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial difference between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the $5,000 MSRP gap, with the Outback starting at $29,995 versus the Outlander Sport's $24,995. This price difference correlates with significant performance variance: the Outback generates 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft. Fuel economy also favors the Outback, achieving a 28 MPG combined rating compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the Outback offers superior practicality, measuring 191.1 inches long and providing 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, exceeding the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cubic feet. Both vehicles feature standard All-Wheel Drive and continuously variable transmissions, but the Outback provides 4 more combined MPG and 34 more horsepower for the higher cost.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback offers superior fuel efficiency with 28 combined MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG, leading to lower operational costs.
2025 Subaru Outback
With 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Outback provides 10.9 cubic feet more room for family gear than the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback delivers a measurable performance advantage, producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport achieves a respectable 26 MPG combined while being $5,000 cheaper, offering a lower entry barrier.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require maximum utility, evidenced by the 32.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- Performance metrics are critical, as the Outback offers 182 hp.
- You prioritize long-distance efficiency with the 32 MPG highway rating.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Maintaining the lowest purchase price is the primary goal, given the $24,995 MSRP.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint with a length of only 171.9 inches.
- The difference of 34 horsepower (148 hp total) is acceptable for daily driving needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 171.9" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.3" |
| Height | 66.1" | 64.8" |
| 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 | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 363.4/458.2 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 51.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 225/65R H | 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 Outback and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
What is the main performance disparity between the 2025 Outback and the 2026 Outlander Sport?
The 2025 Subaru Outback possesses a distinct power advantage, generating 182 hp compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s 148 hp, a difference of 34 horsepower. This translates directly to torque as well, with the Outback providing 176 lb-ft versus the Outlander Sport's 145 lb-ft.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy?
The Outback is slightly more efficient overall, achieving 28 MPG combined versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined. On the highway, the Outback nets 32 MPG while the Outlander Sport is rated for 29 MPG.
Is the higher cost of the Subaru Outback justified by its size advantage?
The Outback has a notable size advantage, measuring 191.1 inches in length compared to the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches. This results in 32.6 cu ft of cargo space for the Subaru versus only 21.7 cu ft for the Mitsubishi.
Do either of these crossovers offer FWD or must I have AWD?
Based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport come standard with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Neither vehicle lists a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) option.
Are there major differences in standard transmission types?
No, both crossovers utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. This means both vehicles operate using a CVT system rather than traditional geared automatic transmissions.
Can both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are designed to operate on regular unleaded fuel, meaning no premium fuel requirement for either model.
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