2026 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$29,995 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is the substantial 29 MPG difference in fuel economy, with the Impreza achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Outlander's unstated but implied lower figure, given its crossover configuration. Priced at $29,995, the Outlander commands a $3,400 premium over the Impreza's $26,595 MSRP. Performance metrics show the Outlander leading with 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Outlander is notably larger, measuring 185.8 inches long and 68.7 inches tall. However, the Impreza counters with more than double the utilitarian space, offering 20.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft, suggesting a trade-off between footprint and practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, offering 27/33 MPG city/highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Mitsubishi Outlander is favored for families due to its larger overall dimensions, including a height of 68.7 inches, suggesting better cabin volume.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander takes the enthusiast edge based purely on output, producing 177 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Impreza

The Impreza presents better baseline value by offering AWD and better MPG for a $3,400 lower starting MSRP of $26,595.

Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if...

You require 207 lb-ft of torque, which is 62 lb-ft more than the Impreza offers.
Your use case benefits from the larger crossover footprint (185.8 inches in length).
You prioritize higher peak horsepower at 177 hp for highway merging.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, leveraging the Impreza's 33 MPG highway rating.
You need superior cargo capacity, as the Impreza provides 20.4 cu ft versus the Outlander's 10.9 cu ft.
All-Wheel Drive capability is a baseline requirement, which the Impreza includes standard.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Outlander	Subaru Impreza
Length	185.8"	176.2"
Width	74.7"	70.1"
Height	68.7"	58.3"
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 Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	177 hp @ 6000 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	207 lb-ft @ 3600 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	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.	448.2/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 gal.	16.6 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	27/33 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	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
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	—
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	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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

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	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/60R18	225/40R18
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 Impreza.

How does the drivetrain difference impact daily driving between the two models?

The 2026 Subaru Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is specified with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). This means the Impreza offers inherent traction benefits in low-grip conditions, contrasting with the Outlander's likely focus on on-road efficiency.

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling gear or luggage?

The Impreza, despite being classified as a Wagon, offers significantly more storage, boasting 20.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is nearly double the Outlander's 10.9 cubic feet.

Is the Outlander's extra cost justified by its performance specifications?

The Outlander costs $3,400 more but delivers 25 more horsepower (177 hp vs. 152 hp) and 62 lb-ft more torque (207 lb-ft vs. 145 lb-ft). Whether this performance boost justifies the premium depends on individual driving needs.

What are the direct fuel economy implications of choosing the crossover over the wagon?

While the Outlander's specific MPG is unlisted, the Impreza's 29 combined MPG indicates the larger, heavier Outlander sacrifices efficiency. Commuters prioritizing miles per dollar will favor the Impreza's 27/33 MPG splits.

How do the exterior dimensions compare for parking ease?

The Impreza is substantially smaller and easier to maneuver, measuring 176.2 inches in length compared to the Outlander's 185.8 inches. The Impreza is also over 8 inches lower to the ground, at 58.3 inches in height.

Are both vehicles restricted to the same type of gasoline?

Fortunately for budget-conscious buyers, both the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are listed as utilizing regular unleaded fuel.