VS
At a Glance
Power
125kW@6000
169kW@5200
Torque
226Nm@4100
320Nm@2800
Fuel
9.9L/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
-
2000kg
0-100 km/h
10.6s
7.1s
Engine
2359cc
2457cc
Choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers 125kW@6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Outlander returns 9.9L/100km while the Forester uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R399 900 for the Outlander and R407 000 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mitsubishi Outlander2.4 GLS CVT 2009 - From R399 900
Subaru Forester2.5 XT 2008 - From R407 000
Performance
Power Output
125kW@6000
169kW@5200
Torque
226Nm@4100
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
10.6s
7.1s
Top Speed
190km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2359cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
5
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.9L/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
14.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60L
60L
CO2 Emissions
236g/km
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4665mm
4560mm
Width
-1800mm
1780mm
Height
1720mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2670mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
215mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1587kg
1510kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
2000kg
Load Capacity
1691kg
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ASC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
START BUTTON
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Outlander
Value
Outlander
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Better fuel economy (9.9L/100km)
Lower starting price (R399 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Forester
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.1ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outlander or Forester?
The Outlander uses 9.9L/100km and the Forester uses 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The Outlander is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Outlander or Forester?
The Outlander produces 125kW@6000 and 226Nm@4100 of torque while the Forester delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Outlander and Forester?
The Outlander starts from R399 900 and the Forester from R407 000. The Outlander is cheaper by R7 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Outlander or Forester?
The Outlander has a braked towing capacity of 0kg and the Forester can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Outlander or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.