Subaru Outback 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 Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport opens at $52,990. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $4,000.
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 $58,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
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 1 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets a 8-inch display. 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 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 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 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 Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Outback is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Outback measures 4,870mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 85mm longer 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 975L in the Subaru Outback and 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, giving the Subaru Outback a 844L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1267L vs 1500L.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,100kg 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 $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback and $2,309/year for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $2,309 (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport saves you roughly $142 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 Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback 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 want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Outback takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback 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 Outback and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport by $4,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback 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 Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
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 Outback makes the most power at 137kW. The Subaru Outback is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
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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