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Mercury Mariner vs Subaru Outback

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Mercury logo

2011 Mercury Mariner

Subaru logo

2026 Subaru Outback

Overview

SpecMercury MarinerBaseSubaru OutbackPremium
Selected trimBasePremium
Body styleSUVSUV
Drivetrainfront wheel driveall wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmission6-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20112026

Pricing & market

SpecMercury MarinerBaseSubaru OutbackPremium
MSRP$23,565 (best)$34,995
Lowest listing price$7,995 (best)
Median listing price$42,338 (best)
Highest listing price$53,175 (best)
For sale now0174 (best)

Fuel economy & range

SpecMercury MarinerBaseSubaru OutbackPremium
Combined MPG23 MPG28 MPG (best)
City MPG22 MPG26 MPG (best)
Highway MPG28 MPG32 MPG (best)
Fuel tank16.5 gal18 gal (best)

Performance

SpecMercury MarinerBaseSubaru OutbackPremium
Horsepower171 hp180 hp (best)
Torque171 lb-ft178 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2.5 L2.5 L
CylindersI4flat 4

Size & capability

SpecMercury MarinerBaseSubaru OutbackPremium
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors5 (best)4
Cargo volume66.3 cu ft80.5 cu ft (best)
Towing capacity3,500 lbs (best)
Payload1,059 lbs (best)
Curb weight3,341 lbs (best)3,741 lbs
Ground clearance8.4 in8.7 in (best)
Wheelbase103.1 in108.1 in (best)
Length175.2 in191.7 in (best)
Width71.1 in74 in (best)
Height68 in (best)67.5 in

Safety & recalls

SpecMercury MarinerBaseSubaru OutbackPremium
NHTSA overall3 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Frontal crash (driver)2 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Side crash (driver)3 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Side crash (passenger)3 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Side pole4 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Rollover3 / 5 ★ (best)Not Rated
Open recalls (YMM scope)2None reported (best)

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimMercury MarinerSubaru Outback
1

Base

$23,565 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Premium

$34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

Base

$30,115 MSRP

Limited

$41,715 MSRP

3

Base

$25,315 MSRP

Limited XT

$44,365 MSRP

4

Base

$31,865 MSRP

Wilderness

$44,995 MSRP

5

Premier

$25,635 MSRP

Touring

$45,395 MSRP

6

Premier

$27,385 MSRP

Touring XT

$47,995 MSRP

Live inventory

Mercury Mariner vs Subaru Outback FAQ

Which is better: 2011 Mercury Mariner or 2026 Subaru Outback?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2011 Mercury Mariner vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2011 Mercury Mariner or 2026 Subaru Outback?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2011 Mercury Mariner starts lower at $23,565. Live Subaru Outback listings start at $7,995.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2011 Mercury Mariner or 2026 Subaru Outback?
The 2011 Mercury Mariner leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,565).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2011 Mercury Mariner or 2026 Subaru Outback?
The 2011 Mercury Mariner leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (32).
Which has better horsepower: 2011 Mercury Mariner or 2026 Subaru Outback?
The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2011 Mercury Mariner or 2026 Subaru Outback?
The 2011 Mercury Mariner leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,500).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2011 Mercury Mariner vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Mercury Mariner (3/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).