2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Subaru Forester lies in fuel economy, where the Forester achieves an impressive 29 combined MPG compared to the Outlander's unstated rating, likely lower given its FWD setup. Both crossovers share an identical starting MSRP of $29,995. Performance metrics show the Forester generating 180 hp, slightly surpassing the Outlander's 177 hp, although the Outlander counters with superior torque at 207 lb-ft versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Outlander is physically larger, measuring 185.8 inches long and 74.7 inches wide. However, the Forester offers significantly greater utility, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the Forester standardizes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the Outlander's FWD orientation.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Forester is superior for commuters due to its efficiency, offering 33 MPG highway versus the Outlander's likely lower figure.
2026 Subaru Forester
The Forester provides nearly triple the usable space with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Outlander offers substantially more low-end pull with 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 178 lb-ft.
2026 Subaru Forester
For the same $29,995 MSRP, the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive and superior fuel economy metrics.
Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...
- Maximum torque output is a priority, as the Outlander delivers 207 lb-ft versus the Forester's 178 lb-ft.
- A slightly longer body (185.8 inches) and wider stance (74.7 inches) are preferred for perceived presence.
- The driver prefers the feel and operation of a Front Wheel Drive configuration for regular driving.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Fuel efficiency is critical, as the Forester achieves 29 combined MPG (26/33 City/Highway).
- Maximum utility is required, highlighted by the Forester's 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied weather conditions is a mandatory feature.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Outlander | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 183.3" |
| Width | 74.7" | 72.0" |
| Height | 68.7" | 68.1" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 |
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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
Which vehicle has a better powertrain for towing or heavy hauling?
The 2026 Outlander may be better suited for tasks requiring lower-end pulling power, offering 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the Forester's 178 lb-ft. Since neither vehicle's maximum towing capacity is listed, this torque figure is the best indicator of potential pulling force.
What is the real-world difference in fuel costs between these two crossovers?
Based on the provided data, the Forester is inherently more economical, achieving 29 combined MPG. While the Outlander’s MPG is unstated, the Forester’s 26/33 City/Highway rating suggests substantial long-term savings over the Outlander.
Is the 2026 Outlander significantly larger than the 2026 Forester?
Yes, the Outlander is slightly larger overall, measuring 185.8 inches in length compared to the Forester's 183.3 inches. The Outlander is also notably wider at 74.7 inches versus the Forester’s 72.0 inches.
How does the 33 hp difference in power affect acceleration?
The Forester’s 180 hp is slightly greater than the Outlander's 177 hp, but the 29 lb-ft torque advantage held by the Outlander might make it feel more responsive during initial low-speed acceleration.
Which vehicle comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2026 Subaru Forester includes Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature. The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, at its base MSRP of $29,995, is listed with a Front Wheel Drive configuration.
Why is the Outlander's cargo capacity so much lower than the Forester's?
The Outlander offers only 10.9 cu ft of cargo space behind the presumed second row, whereas the Forester provides 29.6 cu ft. This suggests the Forester utilizes its dimensions much more efficiently for practical storage needs.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool