Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mitsubishi Outlander and 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 Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Forester.
When we compare 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 base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. 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.
Pricing: For a new model, the Mitsubishi Outlander's price is between $29,363 and $41,605, with the Subaru Forester priced between $31,497 and $38,867.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mitsubishi Outlander loses 45.3 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 10.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 8.1 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Mitsubishi Outlander being ranked 12 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander is ranked 31 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 17.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 8.2 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 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 180 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 leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: 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 4.41 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Mitsubishi Outlander has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$29,363 - $41,605
Starting MSRP:
$28,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$27,871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,860 - $30,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$31,497 - $38,867
Starting MSRP:
$29,695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$28,895 - $30,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,557
Price Range:
$28,385 - $41,421
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$33,244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,649 - $36,546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,640
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,641
# Good or Great Deals:
107
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$13,243
Depreciation %:
46.6%
Resale Value $:
$15,152
Residual Value %:
53.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
42%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29.1% - 47.3%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,410
Depreciation %:
35.1%
Resale Value $:
$19,285
Residual Value %:
64.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
34.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31.9% - 40.2%
Mitsubishi Outlander Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.4 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mitsubishi Outlander
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
23.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Mitsubishi Outlander Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 34Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 14Ranking
12 out of / 20Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 59Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 39Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 39Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Summary 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
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):
4.41 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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 Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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 Features
Backup camera:
Standard
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:
Available
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:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.4 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:
3510 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 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 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Diamond / Labrador Black Pearl
Red
Red Diamond
Silver
Alloy Silver Metallic
White
White Diamond
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
