2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2012 Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the 2012 Subaru Forester.
When we compare the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's and the 2012 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2012 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport's and the 2012 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Pricing: A used 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ranges from $3,620 to $9,992 while a used 2012 Subaru Forester is priced between $4,999 to $12,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport loses 47.5 percent of its value and the 2012 Subaru Forester loses 37.2 percent of its value. This means the 2012 Subaru Forester retains 10.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is 7.6 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport being ranked 28 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is 7.7 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s base engine makes 148 horsepower, and the 2012 Subaru Forester base engine makes 170 horsepower. The Outlander Sport is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 515 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 456 miles. This gives the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2012 Subaru Forester. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2012 Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2012 Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
18795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
18519
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
15995 - 19990
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
20595
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
22664
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
18500 - 26115
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
6962
Price Range:
3620 - 9992
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7151
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
6866 - 7443
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
17
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
124757
# Good or Great Deals:
1
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
9009
Price Range:
4999 - 12998
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
9420
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7043 - 23632
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
171
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
130247
# Good or Great Deals:
46
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.6 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2012 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.02337846402157
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
3.2 - 5.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
19.4696757478822
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 20.4
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 54Ranking
7 out of / 54Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
11 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 21Ranking
27 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
49 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 66Ranking
55 out of / 66Ranking
58 out of / 66Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
1 out of / 12Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 12Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 54Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 54Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
46 out of / 66Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Trim Levels
ES, SE
2012 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Touring, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5XT Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
145 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
398 / 515 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
355 / 456 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
21.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
49.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
119.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
33.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3032 lbs
Width:
69.7 inches
Height:
64.2 inches
Length:
169.1 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3250 lbs
Width:
79 inches
Height:
65.9 inches
Length:
179.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P215/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Labrador Black Pearl
Gray
Mercury Gray Pearl
Red
Rally Red Metallic
Silver
Cool Silver Metallic
White
Diamond White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Obsidian Black Pearl
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Red
Camellia Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Satin White Pearl
Blue
Marine Blue Pearl / Sky Blue Metallic
Green
Sage Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Silver
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Silver
Platinum
