VS
At a Glance
Power
174hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
206lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
28 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
2700lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers 174hp @ 5000 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Outlander returns 28 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $43,045 for the Outlander and $41,715 for the Outback. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mitsubishi OutlanderBlack Edition FWD 2026 - From $43,045
Subaru OutbackLimited AWD 2026 - From $41,715
Performance
Power Output (hp)
174hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
206lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.8in
191.7in
Width (in)
84.4in
74in
Height (in)
68.8in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
106.5in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3770lbs
3799lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
2700lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Outback
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Outback
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Outback
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Lower starting price ($41,715)
Higher towing capacity (2700lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outlander or Outback?
The Outlander gets 28 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Outlander or Outback?
The Outlander produces 174hp @ 5000 and 206lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Outback is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Outlander and Outback?
The Outlander starts from $43,045 and the Outback from $41,715. The Outback is cheaper by $1,330 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Outlander or Outback?
The Outlander has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Outlander or the Outback?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.