One Subaru Model Crushes Mitsubishi's Entire U.S. Sales Total

Let's be honest, Mitsubishi isn't the first name that comes to mind when you think of new cars in America. The brand has quietly hung on while other also-rans like Isuzu and Suzuki faded away. But new sales numbers for the first half of 2026 reveal just how thin the ice really is: the Subaru Outback alone sold nearly 13,000 more vehicles than every Mitsubishi model combined.

That's right, one Subaru beat an entire brand by a wide margin.

Mitsubishi moved just 50,011 units from January through June. The Outback accounted for 62,958 sales. And it wasn't alone, the Crosstrek (87,623) and Forester (107,854) also outsold Mitsubishi's entire lineup. The once-popular Mirage is gone, with only 46 remaining units sold as inventory clears.

9%, but the smaller automaker feels the pinch harder when every sale counts.

Compare the Outback to Mitsubishi's closest rival, the Outlander. The Subaru costs about $5,000 more, but offers standard all-wheel drive, better ground clearance, and a more engaging drive. The Outlander is a solid budget pick with a hybrid powertrain and third-row seating, but reviewers note numb steering and a cramped back row.

Safety ratings favor Subaru, too: the Outback earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, while the Outlander's last award came in 2023. Mitsubishi's strategy, affordable cars with a 10-year warranty, still works for buyers on a tight budget. Two new models are coming later this year, including an Eclipse Sportback EV.

But for now, the numbers tell the story: when it comes to sales, Subaru's Outback is in a league of its own.