Mitsubishi ASX vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

The Subaru Forester has the higher ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2024) against 4 stars (2024), both tested 2024. Adult occupant protection scored 76% for the Mitsubishi ASX and 83% for the Subaru Forester.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, against 5 on the Mitsubishi ASX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi ASX and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Mitsubishi ASX features a 10.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mitsubishi ASX stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Mitsubishi ASX uses a Petrol producing 113kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.9 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 113kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mitsubishi ASX measures 4,238mm long on a 2,639mm wheelbase, 417mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 484L in the Mitsubishi ASX and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 12L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mitsubishi ASX costs about $1,824 a year (6.4 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $428 a year less for the Mitsubishi ASX.

Warranty: 10 years / 200k km (Mitsubishi ASX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: 10 years (Mitsubishi ASX), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Mitsubishi ASX: the lower starting price ($37,740 against $45,990), the longer warranty (10 years against 5) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,824 a year against $2,252).

The Subaru Forester: more power (136kW against 113kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 484L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Mitsubishi ASX's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 7 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (Subaru Forester ahead by 14 points), fuel economy (Mitsubishi ASX ahead by 13 points), safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 12 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mitsubishi ASX costs about $428 less (6.4 L/100km against 7.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Warranty: 10 years on the Mitsubishi ASX, 5 on the Subaru Forester.

Common questions