Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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 Eclipse Cross PHEV starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester 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.
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 Forester, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $11,160 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
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 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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 Eclipse Cross PHEV uses a Petrol producing 96kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 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 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV measures 4,545mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 110mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 111L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester 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 $77/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $2,232 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $77 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs $2,309 (Subaru Forester). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $2,232 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
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 Eclipse Cross PHEV takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV will save you roughly $2,232 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and Subaru Forester?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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 Eclipse Cross PHEV has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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 Eclipse Cross PHEV is quickest to 100km/h in 9.7s.
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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