Crosstrek vs. outlander sport: which affordable suv reigns supreme?

The Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of practicality, versatility, and adventure. Both vehicles have their strengths and weaknesses, making it essential to compare them thoroughly before making a purchase decision. This blog post will dive into the key differences between the Subaru Crosstrek vs Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, covering aspects such as design, performance, features, safety, and value.

Design

The Subaru Crosstrek boasts a rugged and adventurous design, featuring a raised suspension, black body cladding, and a prominent grille. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while the spacious interior provides ample room for passengers and cargo.

In contrast, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a sleeker and more refined appearance, with a low-slung silhouette and a chrome-accented grille. It also has a larger footprint than the Crosstrek, offering more interior space and a slightly more upscale feel.

Performance

The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter boxer engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Crosstrek’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a CVT and offer an all-wheel drive option.

In terms of performance, the Crosstrek’s boxer engine provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, while the Outlander Sport’s larger engine offers slightly more power and torque. However, the Crosstrek’s superior all-wheel drive system gives it an edge in off-road capabilities.

Features

The Subaru Crosstrek comes well-equipped with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels offer features such as a sunroof, heated seats, and a premium audio system.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport also offers a wide range of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Notable features in higher trim levels include a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a navigation system.

Overall, both vehicles offer a comparable range of features, with the Crosstrek having a slight edge in terms of standard equipment, while the Outlander Sport offers more upscale features in higher trim levels.

Safety

The Subaru Crosstrek has received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has also received good safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It comes standard with a variety of safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.

Both vehicles offer a comprehensive range of safety features, with the Crosstrek having a slightly better overall safety rating.

Value

The Subaru Crosstrek has a starting price of $23,545, while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at $24,995. Both vehicles offer a range of trim levels and options, with the top-of-the-line Crosstrek Limited costing $35,545 and the top-of-the-line Outlander Sport SEL costing $32,495.

In terms of value, the Crosstrek offers a more well-rounded package for its price, with a higher standard equipment level, better safety ratings, and a more capable all-wheel drive system.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are both excellent compact SUVs with their own unique strengths. The Crosstrek is the better choice if you prioritize off-road capabilities, safety, and value, while the Outlander Sport is a better choice if you prefer a sleeker design, more upscale features, and a lower price point.

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an adventurous and capable SUV with a strong safety record, the Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent option. If you’re looking for a more refined and feature-rich SUV at a slightly lower price point, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is worth considering.

Popular Questions

Q: Which vehicle has a larger interior?
A: The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a larger interior than the Subaru Crosstrek.

Q: Which vehicle offers more horsepower?
A: The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport‘s 2.4-liter engine offers more horsepower than the Subaru Crosstrek‘s 2.0-liter engine.

Q: Which vehicle has a better all-wheel drive system?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek‘s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is generally considered to be superior to the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport‘s all-wheel drive system, especially in off-road conditions.

Q: Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek is more fuel-efficient than the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of up to 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway for the Outlander Sport.

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport both offer a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.