2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport bursts onto the scene with an aggressive entry price of $24,995, offering an AWD platform for less than its rival. This compact contender focuses on affordability, boasting 148 hp and returning 26 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel. In stark contrast, the 2026 Subaru Forester arrives commanding a $5,000 premium at $29,995, but it justifies the expense with significantly punchier performance, generating 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The Forester’s dedication to capability shows in its larger footprint—183.3 inches long versus the Outlander Sport’s 171.9 inches—and superior utility, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Mitsubishi’s 21.7 cu ft. While the Outlander Sport squeezes out 33 highway MPG, the Forester still edges it out slightly at 33 highway MPG while providing 32 more horsepower, making the choice hinge on budget versus established capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport wins for commuters due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $24,995, offering excellent budget transportation.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester provides superior family utility with its noticeably larger dimensions and greater cargo capacity of 29.6 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester offers a far more engaging drive with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport delivers standard All-Wheel Drive capability at the lowest possible entry price point.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- Your absolute top priority is minimizing initial purchase cost, beginning at just $24,995.
- You need the agility of a smaller footprint, measuring only 171.9 inches in length.
- You prefer efficiency gains in stop-and-go city driving, with 23 MPG city on regular unleaded fuel.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You demand superior highway passing power delivered by 180 horsepower.
- Maximum utility is essential, thanks to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft cargo hold.
- You prioritize substantial torque (178 lb-ft) for confidently tackling steep inclines.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.3" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.8" | 68.1" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.4 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.6 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Subaru Forester than the Outlander Sport?
The Forester holds a distinct performance edge, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant increase over the Outlander Sport's 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
What is the specific fuel economy difference between these two AWD crossovers?
Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded gasoline, but the larger Forester achieves a combined 29 MPG, slightly ahead of the Outlander Sport's 26 combined MPG.
Is the $5,000 price difference between the two models justified by the Forester's size?
Yes, the Forester is substantially larger overall, measuring 183.3 inches long compared to the Outlander Sport's 171.9 inches, which directly translates to its superior 29.6 cu ft cargo volume.
Are either of these vehicles restricted to premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands expensive fuel; both the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Subaru Forester are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline.
Which crossover provides better handling characteristics based on these specifications?
While both offer All-Wheel Drive, the enthusiast will likely gravitate towards the Forester due to its greater horsepower and torque figures, suggesting a more spirited acceleration experience.
If I prioritize the absolute lowest purchase price, which should I select?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the clear budget champion, starting at $24,995, which is exactly $5,000 less than the Subaru Forester's starting MSRP.
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