Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester
In comparing the Mitsubishi Outlander's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The 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 Mitsubishi Outlander's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester Pricing
A used 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander ranges from $29,239 to $41,388 while a used 2024 Subaru Forester is priced between $32,328 to $39,960. For a new model, the Mitsubishi Outlander's price is between $30,776 and $41,477, with the Subaru Forester priced between $31,269 and $40,141.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mitsubishi Outlander loses 46.1 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 7.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 8.2 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Mitsubishi Outlander being ranked 10 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 22 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 7.
Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 7.9 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Mitsubishi Outlander’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the Mitsubishi Outlander, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.42 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
The Outlander and Forester are both compact crossovers but they are quite different in design and function. The Mitsubishi Outlander presents a large, more traditional SUV profile with three rows of seating and a single engine choice that’s adequate but far from appealing regarding power and fuel efficiency. Previous Outlanders offered a plug-in hybrid option that will likely return but isn’t currently available on the latest model. The Subaru Forester is a small, almost wagon-like SUV with standard with all-wheel drive versus the Outlander’s standard front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is available). Both small SUVs offer an impressive list of standard features, comfortable seats and a capable chassis for light off-roading. The Forester is more car-like in its look and feel, the Outlander is more traditional SUV-like, with that extra row of seats being the biggest differentiator.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$30,776 - $41,477
Used Asking Price:
$29,239 - $41,388
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.1%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$31,269 - $40,141
Used Asking Price:
$32,328 - $39,960
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.4%
Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.4 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 30Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
11 out of / 11Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 26Ranking
18 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 21Ranking
20 out of / 21Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
24 out of / 62Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 30Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
48 out of / 66Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 55Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 55Ranking
6 out of / 27Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 55Ranking
10 out of / 55Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 55Ranking
13 out of / 55Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 62Ranking
19 out of / 53Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 55Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
37 out of / 55Ranking
46 out of / 66Summary Review
The Outlander from Mitsubishi is a compact SUV with seating for up to 7 people. It was redesigned for 2022 with substantial improvements to its interior quality, refinement and overall execution, though engine power remains adequate at best. Previous Outlanders were offered in three basic flavors: the Outlander Sport, a smaller, two-row model, the Outlander, a somewhat larger three-row version, and the Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid option. The previous Outlander and Outlander Sport models were introduced in 2011, and the Outlander PHEV was introduced in 2014. New models of the Mitsubishi Outlander cost an average of $32,039 and 3-year-old models average $18,676.
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Seven passenger capacity
- Low price point
- Plug-in hybrid availability
- Unrefined, underpowered driving dynamics
- Low-grade interior materials until 2022 model
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mitsubishi Outlander Trim Levels
ES, SE, SE Black Edition, SEL, SEL Platinum Edition
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
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):
4.42 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
11.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
137.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3593 lbs
Width:
84.4 inches
Height:
68.7 inches
Length:
185.4 inches
Wheelbase:
106.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
