Subaru Forester vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV opens at $53,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $10,500.

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 $47,839 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 Forester, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by roughly $9,795 in fuel alone.

Both the Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

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 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 Outlander PHEV.

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets a 12.3-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 Outlander PHEV. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 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 136kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 55mm 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 520L in the Subaru Forester and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, giving the Subaru Forester a 42L advantage. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $350/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. That is a $1,959 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $350 (Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV saves you roughly $1,959 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 Outlander PHEV). The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has longer coverage.