Mitsubishi Outlander vs Subaru Outback: A Detailed Comparison for Modern Drivers
In the competitive world of crossovers and SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback are two popular models that are often pitted against each other by consumers. Both vehicles have earned reputations for reliability, performance, and practicality, making it tough for drivers to choose between the two. This article aims to break down the key differences and similarities, offering a comprehensive comparison that highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Exterior Design and Styling
When comparing two vehicles, the exterior design is often the first aspect that catches the eye. Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback have undergone notable design evolutions over the years, and their latest models continue to impress.
Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander boasts a bold and modern design that turns heads on the road. With its aggressive front grille, angular lines, and stylish LED headlights, it’s clear that Mitsubishi wanted to make a statement with this SUV. The Outlander’s design leans toward a more rugged and assertive stance, which some drivers will appreciate for its tough and adventurous look.
Key design highlights:
- Large chrome grille for a distinctive front-end look
- Sleek LED headlights and taillights
- Sculpted body panels for a more modern aesthetic
- Available in a variety of bold colors
Subaru Outback Exterior
On the other hand, the 2024 Subaru Outback offers a more understated yet practical design. While it may not be as flashy as the Outlander, the Outback maintains its rugged and outdoorsy appearance, which has been a hallmark of the Subaru brand. The Outback’s design is more function-oriented, with a focus on off-road capability and utility. Its raised ground clearance and body cladding reinforce this point.
Key design highlights:
- More subdued yet functional design
- Raised ride height for off-road versatility
- Functional roof rails for outdoor gear
- Standard LED headlights and taillights
Interior Comfort and Features
Moving inside the cabins, both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback offer modern interiors, but they differ significantly in terms of layout, materials, and tech.
Mitsubishi Outlander Interior
The Outlander’s interior has been completely revamped in recent years, with Mitsubishi making a significant effort to offer a premium experience at an affordable price point. The cabin feels spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials and attention to detail that can compete with more expensive rivals.
Notable features:
- 7-passenger seating option, a unique feature in this segment
- Premium leather upholstery available in higher trims
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity
- Optional Bose sound system for audiophiles
- Heated and ventilated front seats
However, one drawback of the Outlander’s interior is that the third row is quite cramped, making it more suitable for kids than adults. Alex Collantes, a longtime Mitsubishi enthusiast, mentions, “The Outlander has a really upscale feel for the price, but I found the third-row seats almost unusable for taller passengers.”
Subaru Outback Interior
The Subaru Outback is known for offering a more functional and straightforward interior. While it doesn’t have the same premium vibe as the Outlander, the Outback focuses more on durability and practicality, which resonates well with its outdoorsy audience.
Notable features:
- 5-passenger seating with ample legroom in both rows
- Soft-touch materials and a minimalist design approach
- 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen with easy-to-use controls
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional Harman Kardon sound system
The Outback’s interior excels in terms of space and comfort for all passengers, with generous legroom in both the front and rear seats. However, some might find the infotainment system a bit slower to respond compared to competitors.
Performance and Engine Options
When it comes to performance, the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback take different approaches to delivering power and handling.
Mitsubishi Outlander Performance
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that produces 181 horsepower. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over performance. The Outlander is available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on the trim.
Performance Pros:
- Smooth and quiet ride for everyday driving
- Fuel-efficient, especially with FWD models
- Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system offers solid traction in inclement weather
Performance Cons:
- The base engine feels underpowered compared to rivals
- The CVT transmission can feel sluggish under heavy acceleration
Subaru Outback Performance
The Subaru Outback is available with two engine options, giving drivers a bit more flexibility in terms of performance. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower, similar to the Outlander. However, for those seeking more power, Subaru also offers a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower, which makes the Outback more engaging to drive.
Performance Pros:
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on all trims
- Turbocharged engine option offers significantly more power
- Excellent off-road capabilities thanks to high ground clearance and X-Mode
Performance Cons:
- The base engine lacks power for those who need a more spirited drive
- The Outback’s handling can feel a bit cumbersome around tight corners
Technology and Infotainment
In today’s tech-savvy world, drivers expect their vehicles to come equipped with advanced infotainment systems and convenience features.
Mitsubishi Outlander Technology
The Outlander’s infotainment system is relatively easy to use, with a crisp 9-inch touchscreen that comes standard on most trims. Mitsubishi also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, making it easy to connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and more. For higher trims, the optional Bose sound system delivers excellent audio quality.
Key tech features:
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless smartphone charging available on higher trims
- Heads-up display option for driver convenience
- Navigation system with real-time traffic updates
One drawback of the Outlander’s tech is that its user interface can be somewhat complicated at first. It may take some time for new users to get accustomed to the layout of the infotainment menus.
Subaru Outback Technology
The Subaru Outback takes tech to the next level with its 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. This large screen offers an intuitive layout with large icons that are easy to tap while driving. Subaru’s Starlink system is standard, and the infotainment interface is generally responsive, though some users have reported minor lag.
Key tech features:
- 11.6-inch touchscreen with a portrait orientation
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hotspot available on certain trims
- Optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
The main downside of the Outback’s infotainment system is the occasional lag when switching between apps or loading navigation. Some users also report that the large screen can be prone to fingerprints.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Both Mitsubishi and Subaru take safety seriously, and it’s reflected in the wealth of driver assistance features available in both models.
Mitsubishi Outlander Safety
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander comes equipped with a robust suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims also include advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.
Key safety features:
- Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear automatic emergency braking on higher trims
- Lane-keeping assist
Subaru Outback Safety
The Subaru Outback is known for its commitment to safety, and the 2024 model is no exception. Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite comes standard on all trims, offering features like adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Outback also offers rear automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring as optional features on higher trims.
Key safety features:
- Standard EyeSight driver assistance system
- Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering
- DriverFocus distraction mitigation system on select trims
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
In terms of fuel efficiency, both vehicles offer solid numbers, but there are some differences depending on the configuration.
Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Economy
The Mitsubishi Outlander achieves up to 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway with its base engine and FWD configuration. These numbers drop slightly with AWD, but overall, the Outlander offers competitive fuel economy for its class.
Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
The Subaru Outback is also fuel-efficient, with the base engine achieving 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. The turbocharged engine does lower these numbers slightly, with 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway, but for those who prioritize performance, the trade-off might be worth it.
Price and Value
Finally, let’s talk about price. Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback are priced competitively within the midsize crossover SUV segment.
Mitsubishi Outlander Pricing
The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at around $28,000 for the base trim, with fully-loaded models climbing to just over $38,000. While it’s slightly more expensive than some competitors, the Outlander’s 7-passenger seating and premium features make it a good value.
Subaru Outback Pricing
The 2024 Subaru Outback starts at around $27,000 for the base model, with top-tier trims reaching just under $40,000. The Outback’s standard AWD and off-road capabilities make it an appealing option for those who enjoy outdoor adventures.
Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
In the end, choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Outback comes down to your specific needs and priorities.
- Choose the Mitsubishi Outlander if you need 7-passenger seating, want a premium-feeling interior, or prioritize advanced tech features like the heads-up display.
- Choose the Subaru Outback if you’re looking for superior off-road capabilities, a more powerful turbocharged engine, and standard AWD.
As Alex Collantes puts it, “Both cars have a lot to offer, but for me, the Outlander’s upscale interior makes it feel like you’re getting a luxury SUV without the luxury price tag.”