VS
At a Glance
Power
174hp @ 5000
260hp @ 5600
Torque
206lb-ft @ 3000
277lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
28 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91ci
2.4 L/146ci
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 260hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Outlander returns 28 mpg est. while the Outback uses 25 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $40,845 for the Outlander and $44,365 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 OutlanderSEL S-AWC 2026 - From $40,845
Subaru OutbackLimited XT AWD 2026 - From $44,365
Performance
Power Output (hp)
174hp @ 5000
260hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
206lb-ft @ 3000
277lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
25 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
29mpg
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)
3962lbs
3968lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
3500lbs
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Outback
Fuel Economy
Outlander
Value
Outlander
Practicality
Outback
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($40,845)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Outback
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (25 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outlander or Outback?
The Outlander gets 28 mpg est. and the Outback gets 25 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outlander 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 260hp @ 5600 and 277lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The Outback is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Outlander and Outback?
The Outlander starts from $40,845 and the Outback from $44,365. The Outlander is cheaper by $3,520 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 3500lbs. 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.