2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is fuel economy, where the Crosstrek achieves an EPA-estimated 29 combined MPG compared to the Outlander's unlisted, likely lower rating, making the Subaru superior for mileage. Price is another major factor, with the Crosstrek starting at $26,995, undercutting the Outlander's MSRP of $29,995 by exactly $3,000. Despite the higher price, the Outlander offers superior torque at 207 lb-ft versus the Crosstrek's 178 lb-ft, though the Crosstrek retains a slight edge in peak horsepower with 180 hp versus the Outlander's 177 hp. Dimensional differences are pronounced: the Outlander is nearly 9.4 inches longer (185.8 vs 176.4 inches), resulting in significantly less functional storage, as the Crosstrek boasts 19.9 cu ft of cargo space against the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft. The Crosstrek's standard All-Wheel Drive capability also separates it from the FWD Outlander base model.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior 29 combined MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is favored for families due to its larger exterior dimensions (185.8 inches long) suggesting a potentially roomier cabin, despite its smaller listed cargo space.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander appeals more to performance enthusiasts by delivering greater peak torque output at 207 lb-ft compared to the Crosstrek's 178 lb-ft.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek provides better tangible value by starting $3,000 lower than the Outlander while including All-Wheel Drive and better fuel economy.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- You require the higher torque figure of 207 lb-ft for towing or heavy loads.
- A larger exterior footprint (185.8 inches in length) is preferred for road presence or cabin perception.
- Your budget allows for the higher $29,995 MSRP in exchange for the power output.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, aiming for 29 combined MPG (26/33 City/Highway).
- You prioritize base utility, as the Crosstrek offers 19.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary, as the Outlander's base model is FWD.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 176.4" |
| Width | 74.7" | 70.9" |
| Height | 68.7" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 177 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | — | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | — | 29 MPG |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | With Real Time Traffic | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 40.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/60R18 | P225/60R17 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | 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 and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
How does the base pricing and drivetrain affect the overall purchase decision?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek has a base MSRP of $26,995, making it $3,000 cheaper than the Outlander's $29,995. Furthermore, the Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the base Outlander is front wheel drive, significantly enhancing the Crosstrek's perceived baseline value.
Which crossover offers better performance specifications on paper?
While the Crosstrek has slightly more horsepower at 180 hp versus the Outlander's 177 hp, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander clearly leads in torque output, generating 207 lb-ft compared to the Crosstrek's 178 lb-ft.
Is the Outlander significantly larger than the Crosstrek?
Yes, the Outlander is dimensionally larger, measuring 185.8 inches long compared to the Crosstrek's 176.4 inches in length. This size difference results in the Crosstrek having nearly double the listed cargo capacity, 19.9 cu ft versus 10.9 cu ft.
What is the documented fuel efficiency difference between these two models?
The Subaru Crosstrek explicitly documents a combined fuel economy of 29 MPG (26 city/33 highway). The Outlander's specifications do not list an MPG rating, but based on known trends, the smaller, lighter Crosstrek is the clear efficiency winner.
Do both vehicles use the same transmission type?
Both the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a similar driving experience regarding gear shifts, despite power output differences.
Are the fuel requirements different for these crossovers?
No, both vehicles are listed as running on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for optimal performance, which contributes positively to long-term running costs.
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