Subaru Forester vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
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 Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV opens at $43,490. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $47,839 and $47,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $9,265 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru Forester.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 226Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 110mm longer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV at 4,545mm (2,670mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, giving the Subaru Forester a 111L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $456/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. That is a $1,853 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $456 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $1,853 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV will save you roughly $1,853 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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