Compare the2026 Subaru Crosstrek VS 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Crosstrek achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has not been tested.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Crosstrek Limited/Wilderness has standard Reverse Automatic Braking that use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Crosstrek. But it costs extra on the Outlander Sport.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Crosstrek’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid offers an optional Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Outlander Sport only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Subaru Crosstrek’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

The Crosstrek Limited/Wilderness’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The Crosstrek Premium/Sport/Limited/Wilderness has standard MySubaru Connected Services, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Crosstrek and the Outlander Sport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:

	Crosstrek	Outlander Sport
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22.4%	29%
Neck Stress	267 lbs.	412 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	265/291 lbs.	334/511 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	170	251
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	28.8%	43%
Neck Stress	158 lbs.	221 lbs.
Neck Compression	51 lbs.	91 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	291/273 lbs.	394/494 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Outlander Sport:

	Crosstrek	Outlander Sport
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	0 cm	1 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	26 cm	28 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	.3/.1 kN	3.43/.93 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Tibia index R/L	.61/.29	.68/.36
Tibia forces R/L	1.9/.9 kN	1.9/1.9 kN

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Crosstrek is safer than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:

	Crosstrek	Outlander Sport
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	113	163
Abdominal Force	148 lbs.	163 lbs.
Hip Force	297 lbs.	518 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	116	349
Hip Force	673 lbs.	794 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	17 inches
HIC	254	365
Hip Force	721 lbs.	807 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Subaru Crosstrek has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The Outlander Sport is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

The Crosstrek’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Outlander Sport’s (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 2 times as many Subaru dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Crosstrek’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Crosstrek’s reliability 33 points higher than the Outlander Sport.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi With 44 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Mitsubishi.

The Crosstrek’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 32 more horsepower (180 vs. 148) and 33 lbs.-ft. more torque (178 vs. 145) than the Outlander Sport’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Crosstrek’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 12 more horsepower (180 vs. 168) and 11 lbs.-ft. more torque (178 vs. 167) than the Outlander Sport SEL’s standard 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Crosstrek Hybrid’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 26 more horsepower (194 vs. 168) than the Outlander Sport SEL’s standard 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Subaru Crosstrek 4 cyl. is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder:

	Crosstrek	Outlander Sport
Zero to 60 MPH	7.9 sec	10.1 sec
Quarter Mile	16.1 sec	17.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	88.6 MPH	78.4 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Crosstrek gets better mileage than the Outlander Sport:

			MPG
Crosstrek
	AWD	2.5 flat-4 Hybrid	36 city/36 hwy
		Sport/Limited 2.5 DOHC flat-4	26 city/33 hwy
		Wilderness 2.5 DOHC flat-4	24 city/29 hwy
Outlander Sport
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/29 hwy
		2.4 DOHC 4-cyl.	23 city/28 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Crosstrek Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Crosstrek’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Crosstrek higher (6 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (4). This means the Crosstrek produces up to 12.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Outlander Sport every 15,000 miles.

The EPA certifies the Subaru Crosstrek as a “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

For better stopping power the Crosstrek’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Outlander Sport:

	Crosstrek	Crosstrek Hybrid	Outlander Sport
Front Rotors	12.4 inches	12.6 inches	11.6 inches

The Crosstrek’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Outlander Sport are solid, not vented.

The Crosstrek stops much shorter than the Outlander Sport:

	Crosstrek	Outlander Sport
70 to 0 MPH	172 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	126 feet	137 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

For better traction, the Crosstrek has larger tires than the Outlander Sport (225/60R17 vs. 215/70R16).

The Crosstrek’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Outlander Sport S’ standard 70 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Crosstrek has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Outlander Sport S.

The Crosstrek Limited handles at .81 G’s, while the Outlander Sport SE pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Crosstrek Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the Outlander Sport 4WD (27.3 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.9 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander Sport (8.7 vs. 8.5 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is .8 inch higher than on the Outlander Sport (9.3 vs. 8.5 inches).

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Crosstrek has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Outlander Sport uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The front grille of the Crosstrek uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Crosstrek has 3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Outlander Sport (100.5 vs. 97.5).

The Crosstrek has .4 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more front legroom, 3 inches more front hip room, .6 inches more front shoulder room, .1 inches more rear headroom, .2 inches more rear legroom and 3.6 inches more rear hip room than the Outlander Sport.

The Crosstrek has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Outlander Sport with its rear seat folded (54.7 vs. 49.5 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Crosstrek. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Crosstrek has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Outlander Sport has no towing capacity.

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Outlander Sport. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mitsubishi. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 31% lower rating, Mitsubishi is ranked 19th.

The Crosstrek’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Outlander Sport has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Crosstrek’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Outlander Sport’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek’s exterior PIN entry system. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Outlander Sport’s standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The Crosstrek’s standard doors lock when a certain speed is reached. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights.

The Crosstrek has standard Keyless Access and Start that allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Only the Outlander Sport SE/SEL/Ralliart offers FAST-Key.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Crosstrek has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Outlander Sport only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Crosstrek has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer cornering lights.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the Crosstrek has standard extendable sun visors. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The Crosstrek’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Outlander Sport has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

On extremely cold winter days, the Crosstrek Limited/Wilderness’ standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Crosstrek’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Crosstrek has a standard Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Crosstrek’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Outlander Sport LE/SE/SEL.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Subaru Crosstrek offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Outlander Sport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek retains 66.41% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 52.47% resale value of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $2365 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Crosstrek as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport isn't recommended.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport by over 9 to one during 2025.