Outlander vs Solterra
Put the Outlander next to the Solterra and you have Mitsubishi and Subaru going after exactly the same compact suv crowd. Expect a close race. The Outlander and the Solterra trade small edges rather than knockout blows.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Solterra wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Solterra has 164 hp more power
The Solterra clearly leads on total system output, and 338 hp versus 174 hp is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. The Solterra’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Outlander has room for 7 seats
On seats, the Outlander posts 7 seats against 5 seats for the Solterra, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The Outlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 68.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Solterra leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Solterra makes the stronger case by a wide margin. Here the Solterra offers 164 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Weighing only engine & performance, the Solterra comes out ahead.
Total system output
Outlander: 174 hp Solterra: 338 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Outlander leads
The Outlander wins the space & practicality section decisively. The Outlander comes with room for 7 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. So if space & practicality tops your list, lean toward the Outlander.
Seats
Outlander: 7 seats Solterra: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Outlander and the Solterra are effectively level. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Battery electric |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 mild hybrid | Dual motor |
| Total system output | 174 hp | 338 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 206 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | CVT | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD (S-AWC AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 28 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 288 mi |
| Fuel tank | 14.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 10.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 64.3 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 2,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 68.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 106.5 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Outlander | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $29,995 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Outlander if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you’re comfortable with how Mitsubishi does things
Choose the Solterra if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (338 hp vs 174 hp)
- you trust Subaru and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Outlander or the Solterra?
It depends on your priorities: the Outlander is stronger on space & practicality, while the Solterra leads on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Outlander and the Solterra, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. Practically speaking, the Outlander’s biggest advantage is room for 7 seats. I don’t want to sell the Solterra short, though: it has 164 hp more power.
In my head, the Outlander is the space & practicality pick and the Solterra is the engine & performance pick.
My pick: I can’t crown one. The Outlander wins on space & practicality, the Solterra on engine & performance, and your habits decide.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.