Subaru Crosstrek vs Mitsubishi Outlander
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 Crosstrek starts from $36,490 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander opens at $39,990. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $40,139 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi Outlander hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Crosstrek features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mitsubishi Outlander counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Crosstrek uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 196Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander responds with a Petrol making 135kW and 244Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Crosstrek measures 4,495mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 215mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 81L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 800kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek and $2,081/year for the Mitsubishi Outlander. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Estimated annual total: $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek) vs $2,081 (Mitsubishi Outlander). The Mitsubishi Outlander saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Outlander if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Outlander takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Mitsubishi Outlander will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Crosstrek and Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $36,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mitsubishi Outlander by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Outlander uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Crosstrek and Mitsubishi Outlander all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mitsubishi Outlander makes the most power at 135kW. The Mitsubishi Outlander is quickest to 100km/h in 8.7s.
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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