VS
At a Glance
Power
174hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
206lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Towing
2000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
1.5 L/91cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mitsubishi Outlander delivers 174hp @ 5000 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $43,045 for the Outlander and $36,105 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
174hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
206lb-ft @ 3000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.5 L/91cc
2.5 L/152cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
CVT w/OD
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
12gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.8in
183.3in
Width (in)
84.4in
72in
Height (in)
68.8in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
106.5in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3770lbs
3611lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Outlander
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price ($36,105)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Outlander or Forester?
The Outlander produces 174hp @ 5000 and 206lb-ft @ 3000 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Outlander and Forester?
The Outlander starts from $43,045 and the Forester from $36,105. The Forester is cheaper by $6,940 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 2000lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. 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 mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.