Mitsubishi Outlander vs Subaru Forester
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $43,989 and $47,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Forester packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Outlander features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Outlander uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.7 seconds.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 226Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander is 2.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander measures 4,710mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 55mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander and 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 42L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander and $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs $2,309 (Subaru Forester). The Mitsubishi Outlander saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Outlander will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Mitsubishi Outlander is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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