Subaru BRZ vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Subaru BRZ starts from $43,790 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $53,990. That makes the Subaru BRZ the more affordable entry point by $10,200.
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 $48,169 and $59,389 respectively.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru BRZ, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $11,790 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru BRZ.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru BRZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Subaru BRZ and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru BRZ features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with power tailgate that the Subaru BRZ does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru BRZ uses a Petrol producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV responds with a Petrol making 225kW and 450Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the clear power advantage at 225kW vs 174kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru BRZ is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru BRZ measures 4,265mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 445mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 284L in the Subaru BRZ and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a 194L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ and $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $2,358 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Subaru BRZ) vs $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $2,358 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru BRZ) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV takes 6 of 8 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will save you roughly $2,358 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 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, Subaru BRZ and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The Subaru BRZ is the cheapest at $43,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $10,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the largest boot at 478L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV makes the most power at 225kW. The Subaru BRZ is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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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