2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements that Subaru had been implementing since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained the aesthetic appeal that set it apart from other Subaru models. The 2026 version carried forward the changes from 2024, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, where a frameless grille with a curved wing bar created a visual connection with the headlights, giving it a distinctive smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful touch, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that prioritized function. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish, while the chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale accent.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, available in ES, SE, and SEL trims, presented a bold and distinctive front design that was hard to miss. The thin upper eyebrow functioned as a daytime running light, while the large, square headlight was offset and highlighted by a chrome bezel. Although the lighting design remained the same, subtle changes to the front end for 2025 included a smooth upper grille and light modifications to the diffuser. Inside, the top SEL trim offered quilted leather seats and soft-touch surfaces, with physical controls for the HVAC system. The Yamaha speaker faces in the doors, inspired by traditional Japanese geometric patterns, added a unique touch. Despite some plastic pieces attempting to mimic high-dollar textures, the interior was generally well-appointed for a mid-tier crossover.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid model was powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During a test drive, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and it exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. While comparable to rivals like the Mazda CX-50 and Honda CR-V, the Outlander lacked the power needed for an enjoyable drive. The CVT, divided into eight steps, still suffered from a droney, rubber-band feeling. The Outlander's fuel economy was rated at 26 miles per gallon combined, falling short of competitors like the non-hybrid Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, the plug-in hybrid version offered 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel rating of 64 MPGe and 38 miles of all-electric range. The Outlander's AWD system, developed from rally racing experience, provided stability on curvy roads, with modes for various terrains. The suspension, retuned for 2025, offered more comfort and less body roll, although it felt harsh over broken pavement.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid marked Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid Crosstrek, addressing previous compromises with improved horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model offered 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was ample, with 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander came standard with a third row of seating, though it was suitable only for small children due to its 18.7 inches of legroom. With the third row in place, cargo space was limited to less than 11 cubic feet, but folding it down provided 30 cubic feet of storage. The driver's seat offered easy access to physical controls for the HVAC system, with heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats available on upper trims. The cupholders accommodated large cups but struggled with smaller bottles, which could tip over during braking.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen standard on both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. However, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona, with slow software and a tendency to attract fingerprints. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, many controls were relegated to the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander boasted a new Yamaha premium sound system, with upper trims offering a 12-speaker, 1,650-watt system. The system featured customizable sound modes and could adjust volume based on car speed and ambient noise. Every Outlander came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with physical controls for volume and camera system. Upper trims included a digital gauge cluster, rear camera mirror, and head-up display. Mitsubishi Connect and Remote Services were available, offering features like remote start and live traffic information.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the moderate overlap front crash test and an Acceptable score in the side-impact test. However, the NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek five out of five stars in its overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking, though it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offered a limited suite of ADAS features as standard, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition. The NHTSA had not rated the 2025 model, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars in a rollover test. The IIHS gave the 2025 Outlander a "Good" rating for its headlights, with previous models receiving "Good" ratings in crashworthiness tests.