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Subaru Forester vs Mitsubishi Outlander comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 306 HP), boot space and price (34700 £ vs 42800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Mitsubishi Outlander?

Forester

A Comprehensive Comparison: Subaru Forester vs. Mitsubishi Outlander

The market for compact SUVs continues to flourish, with automakers striving to offer vehicles that balance performance, efficiency, and versatility. Among the contenders in this segment, the Subaru Forester and the Mitsubishi Outlander stand out with their unique blend of features. In this article, we delve into the technical aspects and innovations of these two popular models to help you decide which fits your needs better.

Outlander

Performance and Power

The Subaru Forester, equipped with a petrol mild hybrid engine, boasts a power output ranging from 136 to 150 horsepower (100 to 110 kW). This engine pairs with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) to drive all four wheels, offering a robust all-wheel-drive experience. Despite its power, the Forester manages a moderate fuel consumption of 8.1 L/100km, making it a reliable choice for many.

On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Outlander impresses with a powerful 306 horsepower (225 kW) plugin hybrid system. This model is a game-changer with an electric range of 84 to 86 km, positioning itself as a more eco-friendly option with a fuel consumption of just 0.8 L/100km. The Outlander's efficient design ensures you get more mileage while reducing environmental impact.

Forester

Space and Comfort

Space and comfort are crucial for any family-oriented SUV. The Subaru Forester offers ample room with a trunk capacity between 508 and 509 liters. It comfortably seats five passengers and has a payload capacity ranging from 446 to 527 kg, catering well to families and adventurers alike.

The Mitsubishi Outlander nearly matches its counterpart with a trunk capacity of 495 liters, providing plenty of space for luggage or gear. With a slightly larger overall dimension of 4719 mm in length, the Outlander also seats five comfortably, offering a generous payload capacity of 595 kg, which is beneficial for those requiring more cargo flexibility.

Outlander

Acceleration and Speed

Acceleration plays a significant role in the overall driving experience. The Subaru Forester accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.8 to 12.2 seconds, offering a maximum speed of 188 km/h. This performance is commendable for a compact SUV intended for both urban and occasional off-road adventures.

The Mitsubishi Outlander outpaces the Forester with an impressive acceleration of 7.9 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, although its top speed is slightly lower at 170 km/h. This rapid acceleration is a testament to the efficiency of its plugin hybrid system, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize speed and efficiency.

Forester

Environmental Considerations

In today's environmentally conscious market, CO2 emissions are a significant consideration. The Subaru Forester has CO2 emissions ranging from 183 to 185 g/km, earning it a CO2 efficiency class of G. This places it on the higher side of emissions, which may be a concern for eco-conscious drivers.

The Mitsubishi Outlander, with its advanced plugin hybrid technology, records substantially lower CO2 emissions at 18 g/km, garnering a B rating in CO2 efficiency. This makes the Outlander an excellent choice for the environmentally aware driver, offering a greener alternative without sacrificing performance.

Outlander

Conclusion

The choice between the Subaru Forester and the Mitsubishi Outlander boils down to personal preferences and priorities. The Forester is an excellent all-rounder with solid performance and practicality, ideal for those who value reliability and adventure versatility. In contrast, the Outlander, with its superior eco-friendly features, remarkable acceleration, and advanced hybrid technology, appeals to those who prioritize environmental impact and modern innovation.

Both SUVs reflect their brands' commitment to quality and efficiency, leaving the decision in the hands of the discerning driver who must choose between traditional reliability and cutting-edge eco-consciousness.

Subaru Forester vs Mitsubishi Outlander: Key differences

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • distinct cheaper
  • evident lighter

Mitsubishi Outlander

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • convincingly more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • decisively quicker from 0–100 km/h

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Subaru Forester has a distinct advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34700 £ , while the Mitsubishi Outlander costs 42800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8143 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mitsubishi Outlander manages with 2.60 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.10 L. The difference is about 5.50 L per 100 km.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mitsubishi Outlander has a convincingly edge – offering 306 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 170 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mitsubishi Outlander is decisively quicker – completing the sprint in 7.90 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.20 s. That’s about 4.30 s faster.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Subaru Forester is evident lighter – 1693 kg compared to 2070 kg. The difference is around 377 kg.

When it comes to payload, Mitsubishi Outlander a bit takes the win – 595 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 103 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mitsubishi Outlander is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

Frequently compared as well

Nissan X-Trail
Subaru Forester
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In the battle of compact SUVs, the Nissan X-Trail and Subaru Forester offer compelling choices for adventure enthusiasts and family travelers alike. The Nissan X-Trail boasts a suave design and innovative safety technologies, making it a favorite for style-conscious drivers. On the other hand, the …
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Subaru Forester
Mitsubishi Outlander

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £42,800
Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 306 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.6 - 2.7 L
  • Electric Range : 83 - 85 km
details

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Mitsubishi Outlander

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a sensible family SUV that blends roomy practicality with a calm, assured ride—ideal for school runs and weekend getaways. It won’t set pulses racing, but its tidy interior, straightforward equipment and low-stress ownership make it a smart, unfussy pick for buyers who prefer reliability over flash.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Reviews Mitsubishi Outlander

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
Subaru Forester
Mitsubishi Outlander

Costs and Consumption
Price
34700 - 42200 £
Price
42800 - 53000 £
Consumption L/100km
8.10 L
Consumption L/100km
2.6 - 2.7 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
83 - 85 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
60 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1693 - 1739 kg
Curb weight
2070 - 2120 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1830 mm
Width
1862 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
545 - 595 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
-
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
-
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
306 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.20 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.90 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
225 kW
Engine capacity
1995 cm3
Engine capacity
2360 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
B
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Mitsubishi

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What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is available as All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.