Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV vs Subaru Outback

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from $53,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $5,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $59,389 and $53,889 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.

Both the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 88% for the Subaru Outback.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

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

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a Petrol producing 98kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 98kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV measures 4,710mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 160mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 497L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1500L vs 1267L. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.