Compare the2023 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

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

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

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

There are almost 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 55 points higher than the Outlander.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. With 35 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Subaru higher than Mitsubishi.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 12 places higher in reliability than Mitsubishi.

As tested in Motor Trend the Crosstrek Sport/Limited 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder is faster than the Mitsubishi Outlander (automatics tested):

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 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Crosstrek CVT’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 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Crosstrek has 2.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Outlander (16.6 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Subaru Crosstrek higher (7 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Outlander (6 to 7). This means the Crosstrek produces up to 1.1 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Outlander every 15,000 miles.

The Crosstrek stops shorter than the Outlander:

The Crosstrek has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Outlander; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the Outlander’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.1 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Outlander ES (8.7 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the Outlander SE/SEL (8.7 vs. 8.4 inches).

The Subaru Crosstrek may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 pounds less than the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Crosstrek is 8.9 inches shorter than the Outlander, making the Crosstrek easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the Crosstrek has standard flush composite headlights. The Outlander has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The Crosstrek has 1.4 inches more front legroom, 1.1 inches more front hip room and 1.9 inches more rear hip room than the Outlander.

The Crosstrek has a much larger cargo volume than the Outlander with its rear seat up (20.8 vs. 11.7 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 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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

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’s standard 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 available exterior PIN entry system (not available on Crosstrek Base). The Outlander doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its extra cost Mitsubishi Connect can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

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

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 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Crosstrek, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Outlander isn't recommended.

The Subaru Crosstrek outsold the Mitsubishi Outlander by over five to one during the 2021 model year.