VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
245 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
—
7.1s
Engine
2488 cc
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 135 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Outlander returns 8.1 l/100km while the Forester uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R819 995 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 Outlander2.5 Exceed CVT 2024 - From R819 995
Subaru Forester2.5 XT 2008 - From R407 000
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
245 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
—
7.1s
Top Speed
187 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2488 cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
60L
CO2 Emissions
185 g/km
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4710 mm
4560mm
Width
1897 mm
1780mm
Height
1745 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2706 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
210 mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1690 Kg
1510kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
205-694-1461 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
665 lkg
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Outlander
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Better fuel economy (8.1 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R407 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Outlander or Forester?
The Outlander uses 8.1 l/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 135 kW and 245 Nm 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 R819 995 and the Forester from R407 000. The Forester is cheaper by R412 995 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 1600 Kg 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.