Subaru Outback vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV opens at $46,490. That makes the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV the more affordable entry point by $2,500.

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 $53,889 and $51,139 respectively.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Outback, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $11,870 in fuel alone.

Both the Subaru Outback and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Outback packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.

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

The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate 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.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Outback gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Outback and 1-zone in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.

The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 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 Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Subaru Outback measures 4,870mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 325mm longer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV at 4,545mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 975L in the Subaru Outback and 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, giving the Subaru Outback a 566L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback and $77/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. That is a $2,374 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $77 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $2,374 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

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