2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport bursts onto the scene with an appealing entry price of $24,995, offering standard All-Wheel Drive right out of the gate, appealing to rugged minimalists. It packs 148 horsepower into a compact 171.9-inch frame, prioritizing immediate accessibility for urban adventuring despite a modest 26 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Impreza steps forward as a surprisingly capable, low-slung wagon, boasting a superior 29 MPG combined rating from its 152 horsepower engine. While the Impreza is slightly longer at 176.2 inches, its lower 58.3-inch height provides a dynamic, grounded feel absent in the taller crossover. The trade-off for the Impreza's efficiency and driving posture is its $1,600 higher MSRP and slightly reduced 20.4 cu ft cargo space compared to the Outlander Sport's 21.7 cu ft. Both utilize a CV transmission and offer AWD, setting up a fantastic battle between crossover height and wagon agility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza offers better fuel economy, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined, which saves money on daily drives.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The 2026 Outlander Sport offers more inherent utility with 21.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, surpassing the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza's lower stance (58.3 inches vs. 64.8 inches) suggests better handling and a more engaging, car-like driving experience.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The Outlander Sport is the more affordable entry point at $24,995, offering AWD for $1,600 less than the Impreza.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if...
- You absolutely need the lowest possible starting price at $24,995.
- You prefer a traditional crossover ride height (64.8 inches) over a low wagon profile.
- You prioritize ultimate maximum cargo volume, boasting 21.7 cu ft.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Impreza achieves 33 MPG highway versus the Outlander Sport's 29 MPG highway.
- You desire slightly more power from the 152 hp engine over the Outlander Sport's 148 hp.
- You value a lower, more planted driving dynamic associated with its 58.3-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 176.2" |
| Width | 71.3" | 70.1" |
| Height | 64.8" | 58.3" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 148 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 363.4/458.2 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
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 | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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 Impreza.
How much more fuel efficient is the Subaru Impreza?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 29 MPG, which is 3 MPG better than the Outlander Sport's 26 MPG combined rating. This translates to fewer stops at the pump for daily drivers.
Which vehicle offers more utility space?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is the winner in raw cargo space, offering 21.7 cubic feet behind the second row compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. Both vehicles utilize an automatic CV transmission for gear changes.
Is there a major performance difference between these two AWD vehicles?
The performance differences are subtle, with the Impreza offering 152 horsepower versus the Outlander Sport's 148 horsepower, while both share 145 lb-ft of torque. Both come standard with All-Wheel Drive and use a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle is better suited for spirited driving?
Enthusiasts should lean toward the Impreza due to its distinct wagon body style resulting in a much lower height of 58.3 inches, suggesting a lower center of gravity compared to the taller 64.8-inch Outlander Sport crossover.
What is the primary price difference between the two models?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport undercuts the Subaru Impreza on price by $1,600, starting at $24,995 compared to the Impreza's $26,595 MSRP.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.
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