Subaru Forester vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
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 Pajero Sport opens at $52,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $9,500.
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 $58,289 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Forester packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Forester and 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 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 Pajero Sport. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 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 Pajero Sport responds with a Diesel making 133kW and 430Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Forester is 0.3s 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, 130mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport at 4,785mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, giving the Subaru Forester a 389L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,600kg 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 11.4m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 $2,309/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 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 Forester and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by $9,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 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 Pajero Sport has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Subaru Forester is quickest to 100km/h in 11.2s.
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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