Mitsubishi ASX vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Mitsubishi ASX at 4 stars (2024) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2024 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 76% for the Mitsubishi ASX and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Outback, 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 Outback.

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 Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-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 Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Mitsubishi ASX gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mitsubishi ASX and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

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 Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW 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, 642mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 484L in the Mitsubishi ASX and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 46L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg 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); both turn in a 11.1 m circle, 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 Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $485 a year less for the Mitsubishi ASX.

Warranty: 10 years / 200,000 km* (Mitsubishi ASX) and 5 years / unlimited km (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: 10 years (Mitsubishi ASX), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Mitsubishi ASX: the lower starting price ($37,740 against $48,990) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,824 a year against $2,309).

The Subaru Outback: more power (137kW against 113kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 484L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,200kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Mitsubishi ASX's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Mitsubishi ASX ahead by 15 points), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 12 points), practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 10 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mitsubishi ASX costs about $485 less (6.4 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 484L in the Mitsubishi ASX, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions