VS
At a Glance
Power
120kW@5650
126kW@6000
Torque
220Nm@4000
229Nm@4400
Fuel
13.96
9.6
Towing
1200
1500
0-100 km/h
12.82
11
Engine
2378
2457
Choosing between the MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER delivers 120kW@5650 while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 126kW@6000. On fuel, the OUTLANDER returns 13.96 while the FORESTER uses 9.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R269 000 for the OUTLANDER and R386 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.
Performance
Power Output
120kW@5650
126kW@6000
Torque
220Nm@4000
229Nm@4400
0-100 kph
12.82
11
Top Speed
184
182
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2378
2457
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
4
4
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.96
9.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
16.8
12.9
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.9
7.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
60
60
CO2 Emissions
—
227
Dimensions
Length
4545
4560
Width
1750
1780
Height
1670
1700
Wheelbase
2525
2615
Ground Clearance
205
215
Kerb Weight
1508
1490
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200
1500
Load Capacity
1710
1660
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✗
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✗
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
✗
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
36
Warranty Distance
100000
100000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
SUBARU FORESTER
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
FORESTER
Value
OUTLANDER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
Lower starting price (R269 000)
Higher fuel consumption (13.96)
SUBARU FORESTER
Better fuel economy (9.6)
Higher towing capacity (1500)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (11s)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the OUTLANDER or FORESTER?
The OUTLANDER uses 13.96 and the FORESTER uses 9.6 on the combined cycle. The FORESTER is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the OUTLANDER or FORESTER?
The OUTLANDER produces 120kW@5650 and 220Nm@4000 of torque while the FORESTER delivers 126kW@6000 and 229Nm@4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the OUTLANDER and FORESTER?
The OUTLANDER starts from R269 000 and the FORESTER from R386 000. The OUTLANDER is cheaper by R117 000 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 1200 and the FORESTER can tow 1500. 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.