Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Outback.
When we compare the Mitsubishi Outlander's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Mitsubishi Outlander's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mitsubishi Outlander loses 51.1 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 7.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 7.9 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Mitsubishi Outlander being ranked 9 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 6 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 18 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 11.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 7.7 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 180 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear leg room. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Outback has higher safety ratings than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.26 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
34995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
29401
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24635 - 34995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33932
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31731 - 35755
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.2 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mitsubishi Outlander
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.176
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 34Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
33 out of / 34Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Summary Review
The Outlander from Mitsubishi is a compact SUV with seating for up to 7 people. It was redesigned for 2022 with substantial improvements to its interior quality, refinement and overall execution, though engine power remains adequate at best. Previous Outlanders were offered in three basic flavors: the Outlander Sport, a smaller, two-row model, the Outlander, a somewhat larger three-row version, and the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid option. The previous Outlander and Outlander Sport models were introduced in 2011, and the Outlander PHEV was introduced in 2014. New models of the Mitsubishi Outlander cost an average of $32,039 and 3-year-old models average $18,676.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Seven passenger capacity
- Low price point
- Plug-in hybrid availability
- Unrefined, underpowered driving dynamics
- Low-grade interior materials until 2022 model
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels
ES, SE, SEL, Trail Edition
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Limited, Limited XT, Premium
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.26 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
10.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
64.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
136.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
34.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
80.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
146.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3681 lbs
Width:
84.4 inches
Height:
68.7 inches
Length:
185.8 inches
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3741 lbs
Width:
82.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
191.7 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Diamond / Labrador Black Pearl
Red
Red Diamond
Silver
Alloy Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond
Beige
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Deep Emerald Green Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Titanium Gray
