Review & Photos by Rob McSorley
In February we pitted Subaru's capable Forester against Mitsubishi's practical Outlander to find out which was the best all rounder. After careful consideration we felt that the Forester was the better bet thanks to its superior comfort, handling and brilliant boxer diesel engine. Since then Mitsubishi have replaced their Outlander with an extensively redesigned successor and Subaru have done the same. Both promise to be streets ahead of their forebears. We though it would be a good idea to see how much better they both are and which is now the more appealing car. Read on to find out.
Looks
Subaru has clearly taken the evolutionary approach to the new Forester building on the clean and functional look of previous incarnations. It has grown a little in every direction but still retains its tall roof and generous glasshouse but the detailing is all-new. The front is a lot more distinctive with a prominent grill and more angular lights and beefy body mouldings feature throughout. The upswept beltline and more stretched-back taillights are a little more exciting than before but still won't get pulses racing. It gels together well but is a little safe.
The Outlander couldn't be more different carrying over none of the previous models aggressive looks. Instead Mitsubishi has gone for a simple, smooth shape showcasing their new design language. The front is made up of a slim grill and headlights and a grumpy looking lower bumper. The side sculpting is uncluttered with the exception of a deep characterline on the lower doors and a horizontal crease that runs from the front lights all the way to the rear light units. Despite a sizable rear overhang the cars rump is striking with clear light lenses that sweep across the tailgate joining in the middle. We weren't fans of the design in photos but in the metal it looks fabulous especially in the stunning silver finish and 18 inch wheels fitted to our car. The Outlander is definitely the looker of the two.
Accommodation
Both cars can seat five adults in comfort with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room and both have reclining rear seats. Visibility is a little better in the Forester thanks to thin pillars and large windows but the more commanding driving position of the Outlander makes up for this. Seat and wheel adjustment on both is also decent making a comfortable driving position easy to find.
The Foresters boot is large and well shaped offering 505 litres with a low entry sill and seats that fold completely flat. However the Outlanders luggage space is even bigger at 591 litres but its trump card is its sliding rear bench and additional two seats under the boot floor. Space for those sitting in the boot is much improved this time round with just enough headroom for those under six foot although leg space is a little cramped as there is no recessed floor. Mitsubishi have also cleverly mounted these seats a little further forward than usual so with all seven in use there is still some luggage space left. OK so it's only 128 litres but its still useful. The seats are also a doddle to raise and lower too.
Cabin
Once again Subaru hasn't strayed too far from their usual interior design themes with an interior largely lifted from the smaller XV crossover. That said although dull to look at with a lot of black trim everything is neatly layer out with an attractive multi-function computer placed in a binnacle at the top of the dash. The dials look neat and are easy to read and finally the Forester gets some squishy plastics on the top part of the interior to raise the perceived quality. It's just a shame that the rest of the trim feels low rent and a lot of the switchgear such as the window and mirror switches look and feel dated. The seats however are very comfortable offering just enough support and are electrically adjustable.
In-keeping with the new exterior the Outlanders interior couldn't be more different than before. This time round Mitsubishi have gone for a dashboard that's angled towards the driver bringing the controls within easy reach. The layout it faultless and the new climate control system is easy to use and looks classy although we have no idea why the car beeps when pressing the buttons. Mitsubishi also include a nicely integrated touchscreen navigation system in the Outlander that works well. What is most noticeable is the plush materials used from then flashy piano black facial trim and aluminum effect door highlights to the nice feeling soft touch plastic elsewhere. The dials too are a joy to use with a useful screen in the centre giving all manner of information including sat nav directions. The new steering wheel is also pleasant to hold as it's wrapped in quality leather with simply integrated controls.
On the Road
If you want a family friendly car that is comfortable and refined then either the Subaru or Mitsubishi will fit the bill as they both ride smoothly soaking up poor road surfaces with ease. Thanks to impressively hushed cabins long journeys will waft by and although the Outlander is a little clattery when worked its still pretty quiet. The Subaru's boxer diesel unit is also only audible at higher revs but emits a satisfying rumble.
Thanks to the Foresters low-mounted boxer powerplant and lower kerbweight it handles incredibly well for a vehicle of its type with impressive grip levels, meaty steering offering decent feedback and well controlled body movements. The suspension makes curvy country roads feel a lot less wallowy than many crossovers and there is even a little fun to be had if pushed. The only letdown is the six speed gearbox that although smooth is imprecise and doesn't like to be rushed. There is also enough power on tap for most situations and the diesel engine delivers its power smoothly.
The old Outlander wasn't much of a drivers car but they new model is a lot better thanks to Mitsubishi's efforts to reduce its kerbweight. It is actually 100 kg lighter and certainly feels it on the road. It is a lot more eager to turn in and the steering is precise and feelsome. It is also a lot more nimble with good grip and plenty of poise although if pushed it does roll quite a bit. That said it isn't as rewarding as the Subaru. The gearbox is also a joy to use with its accurate and nicely weighted action that wouldn't be out of place in a sports car. The 2.2-litre diesel engine is punchy and smooth will bags of low-end grunt.
Costs
At just under £29,000 for the Forester and £30,000 for the Outlander neither car is cheap but both are near the top of the range so come brimming with standard equipment. Both are similarly equipped with automatic lights and wipers, sat nav, dual zone climate control, cruise control, electrically adjustable leather seats, electric front and rear windows, alloys wheels, foglights and a sunroof. The Outlander also comes with keyless entry which isn't included on the Forester. They also both come with a host of safety tech including a useful Hill Descent system and both have received the maximum Euro NCAP safety rating.
Although the Outlander costs over £1,000 more than the Forester it is actually quite a lot cheaper to run. It sits in a VED band two lower in bracket E versus G for the Forester. It equates to a reasonable £120 per annum against the Foresters £170. The Outlander is also more economical thanks to the fact its four-wheel-drive system is only active when needed resulting in a combined economy figure of 52.3 mpg. The Forester is slightly thirstier returning 47.9 mpg. The Outlanders more accommodating seven-seat interior makes up for the price premium over the Forester.
Tech Data
Subaru Forester 2.0D XC Premium
Price as tested: £28,995
Engine: 2.0 litre 16v 145 bhp - Transmission: 6 Speed Manual - 0-62 mph: 10.2 secs - Maximum Speed: 118 mph
Economy: 38.7 mpg (urban) –54.3 mpg (extra-urban), 47.9 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 156 g/km (Band G) - VED (12 months): £170
Dimensions: Length: 4595 mm - Width: 1795 mm - Height: 1735 mm - Wheelbase: 2640 mm
*data from Subaru UK
Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 DI-D GX4 SST
Price as tested: £29,999
Engine: 2.2 litre 16v 147 bhp - Transmission: 6 Speed Manual - 0-62 mph: 10.2 secs - Maximum Speed: 124 mph -
Economy: 43.5 mpg (urban) –60.1 mpg (extra-urban), 52.3 mpg (combined) - Emissions: 140g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length: 4665 mm - Width: 1800mm - Height: 1680 mm - Wheelbase: 2670 mm
*data from Mitsubishi UK
DriverVIBE Verdict
Deciding which crossover is the better car is no easy task as both are spacious, comfortable, refined and won't break the bank to run. On the road it is clear that the Forester is marginally more exciting to drive with better body control but the Outlander isn't far behind and is much better than the previous model. 
In terms of design there is no denying that the Subaru feels like a mildly warmed over version of its predecessor with an evolutionary design but for us it lacks flair both inside and out. The interior also doesn't feel as if it belongs to a car with such a hefty price tag with cheap feeling trim. The Outlander couldn't be more different looking completely different from before with a striking, unique design that is bang up-to-date. The interior too is a real improvement as it looks and feels classy and is well built with modern switchgear throughout.
The Outlanders bigger interior with two additional seats and much larger bootspace can't be matched by the Forester. Its noticeably lower running costs also take the edge off the high asking price thanks in part to the new models reduced kerbweight.
It's clear to us that the new Outlander is a massive improvement over the old model and is a better all-rounder than the Forester. The Forester isn't a bad car but it lacks the appealing design of its rival and its interior isn't as spacious, attractive or upmarket. The overall impression is that the Forester hasn't moved as further forward over its predecessor as the Outlander has.
All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob McSorley (info@DriverVIBE.com).
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