VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
136 kW
Torque
245 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
2488 cc
2498 cc
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 135 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Outlander returns 8.1 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R789 995 for the Outlander and R790 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
135 kW
136 kW
Torque
245 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
187 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2488 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
185 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4710 mm
4655 mm
Width
1897 mm
1830 mm
Height
1745 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2706 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
210 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1690 Kg
1636 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
205-694-1461 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
665 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
3
5
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Outlander
Practicality
Outlander
Pros & Cons
Mitsubishi Outlander
Lower starting price (R789 995)
Higher towing capacity (1600 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 136 kW)
Subaru Forester
More powerful engine (136 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
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 7.9 l/100km 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 135 kW and 245 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Outlander and Forester?
The Outlander starts from R789 995 and the Forester from R790 000. The Outlander is cheaper by R5 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 1500 Kg. 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.