2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$24,995 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary differentiator between the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (car1) and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek (car2) is the substantial 32 horsepower advantage held by the Crosstrek (180 hp vs. 148 hp). This power gap is reinforced by the Crosstrek's superior torque, posting 178 lb-ft against the Outlander Sport's 145 lb-ft. Conversely, the Outlander Sport claims better fuel economy, achieving a 26 MPG combined rating compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined. Price sensitivity is also a factor, as car1 starts at an MSRP of $24,995, undercutting car2's $26,995 entry price by $2,000. Dimensionally, the Outlander Sport is longer at 171.9 inches and offers slightly more cargo space at 21.7 cubic feet versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. Both utilize standard AWD and CVT transmissions, but the Crosstrek provides a definitive performance edge.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG versus the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Outlander Sport accommodates more cargo, offering 21.7 cubic feet of space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet, benefiting family storage needs.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is superior for enthusiasts, delivering 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp and 145 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers better upfront affordability with an MSRP of $24,995, saving $2,000 compared to the Crosstrek's starting price.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...

Budgetary constraints are primary, as the Outlander Sport undercuts the Crosstrek's MSRP by $2,000.
Maximizing cargo volume is critical, evidenced by its 21.7 cu ft capacity versus 19.9 cu ft.
Slightly better highway fuel efficiency in the base configuration is prioritized (29 MPG highway vs. 33 MPG highway for car2 is incorrect, Car 1 is 23/29, Car 2 is 26/33. I must adjust this based on the data provided: Car 1 highway is 29 MPG, Car 2 highway is 33 MPG. I will adjust the recommendation based on the other data points provided, prioritizing the $2000 savings and cargo space, and acknowledging the lower power output). A revised third point focusing on width/height: You prefer a slightly wider (71.3 inches) and taller (64.8 inches) stance for a different road presence.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Performance metrics are crucial, as the Crosstrek provides a 32 horsepower advantage (180 hp vs. 148 hp).
Optimized city fuel economy is desired, delivering 26 MPG in the city versus the Outlander Sport’s 23 MPG.
The buyer requires a longer wheelbase and overall length (176.4 inches) for stable on-road driving characteristics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander Sport	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	171.9"	176.4"
Width	71.3"	70.9"
Height	64.8"	62.8"
Wheelbase	105.1"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Pre-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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	148 hp @ 6000 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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	Mitsubishi	Subaru
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	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	363.4/458.2 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.8 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	52.1 in.	55.1 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	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Rear Head Room	37.9 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.6 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/70R16	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

What is the most significant performance disparity between the 2026 Outlander Sport and Crosstrek?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek significantly outperforms the Outlander Sport in power output, generating 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts with the Outlander Sport's 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, creating a measurable 32 hp gap favoring the Subaru.

Which crossover provides better long-term running costs based on fuel economy?

The Subaru Crosstrek offers better overall fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined (26 City/33 Highway). While the Outlander Sport is close at 26 MPG combined (23 City/29 Highway), the Crosstrek’s superior ratings across city and highway cycles suggest lower overall fuel consumption.

If interior storage is the main priority, which vehicle should I choose?

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the superior choice for maximum cargo capacity, offering 21.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek provides slightly less utility with 19.9 cubic feet of storage space.

How do the starting prices of these two AWD crossovers compare?

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a notable price advantage, starting at an MSRP of $24,995. The Subaru Crosstrek carries a higher entry point of $26,995, meaning the Outlander Sport saves the buyer $2,000 upfront.

Are there major differences in size dimensions between the two models?

Yes, the Subaru Crosstrek is slightly longer overall at 176.4 inches versus the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches. However, the Outlander Sport is wider (71.3 inches vs. 70.9 inches) and significantly taller (64.8 inches vs. 62.8 inches).

Do either of these vehicles offer different fuel or transmission types?

No, both the 2026 Outlander Sport and the 2026 Crosstrek come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), utilize regular unleaded fuel, and are paired with a Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic (CVT) transmission.