Not so long ago, and we still have a couple of questions for the car - in particular, for smoothness. Therefore, we once again took the "Forester" already in Moscow, and in addition we captured, which again experienced another modernization. Is it a worthy opponent?
What's new in them?
With all the external similarity with its predecessor, this Subaru Forester is really a new generation! Another platform, another, more rigid body, another interior. Although from the outside it is easiest to identify it only by the C-shaped taillights.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Subaru Forester
But it is not easy to determine the updated Outlander - it differs from the car of the 2015 model only in different LED optics, slightly different bumpers and a radiator grille and new wheels. And “our” Mitsubishi stands out with an enlarged rear spoiler - this is the privilege of the Ultimate package, the top one for the 2.4 engine.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Subaru Forester
We chose the Subaru with a two-liter engine, and we did it consciously - the Forester is produced in Japan, so it has no price advantage over the Kaluga Outlander. Subaru in the Elegance ES configuration (ES is a set of EyeSight driver assistance systems) costs 2,329,000 rubles, and a more powerful Outlander costs 2,240,000 rubles. However, if you abandon Eye Sight, then a similar Forester will cost 2,209,000 rubles, so in the end - almost parity.
Surprises inside
As soon as you get into the Forester, you immediately begin to regret the lack of local production, which would help it cost a little less. Cool interior! Pleasant materials, well-grouped buttons, a lot of places for little things, informative devices and surprisingly “transparent” visibility - you instantly find a common language with the Forester.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Subaru Forester
The interior of the Subaru not only looks richer and is made of better materials, but it is also more comfortable, there are better compartments for small items - Mitsubishi has only a couple of cup holders for this. And only Mitsubishi offers a full heated windshield.Mitsubishi meets with coolness - this salon is 6 years old, and even at that time it surprised with a modest finish and literally darkness: before, half of the buttons, including power windows, were not illuminated in it, and now they are all 4 automatic. But there is almost no place for small things, there is nowhere even to stick the phone, and the only USB connector is covered with an uncomfortable plug.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Subaru Forester
The new Mitsubishi seats are better than the old ones, but the Subaru seats are still more comfortable, and in addition they are equipped with 2-position memory. In terms of space in the back - parity, in both crossovers it is quite spacious, but, like in front, Outlander loses in terms of additional equipment: there is only 1 USB connector, and Subaru offers two USB sockets and heating of the extreme sections of the sofa. But in Mitsubishi you can adjust the backrest angle (this is only in expensive versions of Subaru).During the update, Mitsubishi changed the front seats - they are now more comfortable, but Subaru has better seats. And the Forester's interior is also more spacious - it is wider in front and behind, the roof is higher. And if there is parity in legroom, then Subaru also offers a good solution - divided pockets in the backs of the seats. So in terms of cabin Forester wins unconditionally.
Surprises on the go
Mitsubishi seems to be much faster - it reacts vividly to the gas, accelerates cheerfully from medium speeds and generally encourages active driving in every possible way. The Subaru, on the other hand, is remarkably calm in SI-Drive's I mode, and the S selection sharpens the responses a bit. And the degree of emotions in it is lower.
But emotions are one thing, and measurements are another. Moreover, according to the passport, a Forester with less powerful (150 hp versus 167) and less high-torque (196 Nm versus 222) should be ... faster - 10.3 to hundreds instead of 10.5 for Mitsubishi. Therefore, we connect the Racelogic GPS device, start and record the data.
And the results were amazing! Yes, up to a hundred Mitsubishi is a little faster - an average of 10.75 seconds versus 10.87 for Subaru, and then ... Forester leaves - acceleration to 120 km / h was 14.92 versus 15.28 seconds. So everything is really created by sensations - in Mitsubishi the noise isolation is worse, which is especially noticeable on Bridgestone studded tires, and sharp responses to the gas give a false impression of dynamics.
I did not really like the smoothness of the ride - especially on sharp bumps. But it is surprising that in Moscow the crossover has changed! No hard blows at the joints, hatches or potholes - everything melts in the depths of the shock absorbers, and you can not slow down at all in front of speed bumps. Here it is - the power of 17-inch wheels with fatter tires (there were cars on "18-shki" in Georgia).
But it is interesting that after the final update, the Outlander finally got a normal suspension - before we had complaints about excessive rigidity, but now it is calmly walking at the pace of the Forester on broken roads. True, the suspension works noisier, and shocks from bumps are transmitted to the steering wheel. In addition, the stabilization system, as before, "grabs" the car after the passage of speed bumps. However, the progress of the Outlander is obvious.
Mitsubishi Outlander
Subaru Forester
And the four-wheel drive is set up more recklessly here - the Outlander willingly throws the rear axle under traction on slippery surfaces, while the Forester can go outside at the same speed (in Subaru, you need to load the front more heavily). But if we talk about off-road, then the transmission and electronics (imitation of wheel locks) work a little more efficiently and softer in Subaru - and it’s not even necessary to activate X Mode.
Well, both crossovers go on winding roads, but the Mitsubishi brakes alerted the "smoke" after several passes along a small serpentine. And this is on studded tires. In efficiency, the pads have not lost much, but a so-so bell. And on a straight line, the Outlander notices the ruts and begins to “crawl” in them. It is worth praising Subar's EyeSight system - both the adaptive "cruise" and the auto-braking system work very gently and adequately.
The compact SUV made its debut in Europe in early 2003 and appeared in Russia in the spring. The five-door station wagon belongs to the same segment as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4; Subaru Forester. In Russia, only the petrol (2.0 l, 100 kW / 136 hp) version of the car is currently sold only with a manual transmission in Comfort and Sport trim levels. In November, an "automatic" and a 2.4 liter engine, 105 kW / 142 hp will appear. With. Somewhat later, an extreme "Outlander" 178 kW / 240 hp is also possible. With. (2.0 L turbocharged). Depending on the configuration, the price of a car in the showrooms of official dealers ranges from $27,990 to $29,790.
SUBARU FORESTER
Appearing in 1998, it underwent restyling in 2000, and in the summer of 2002 it was significantly updated. The five-door station wagon widely uses units from the Subaru Impreza. Therefore, it is served to the consumer not only from the standpoint of versatility, but also excellent driving properties. Subaru Forester is presented on the Russian market with gasoline engines: atmospheric - 2.0 l, 92 kW / 125 hp. With. and turbocharged - 130 kW / 177 hp. with., aggregated with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed "automatic". Options are very extensive, as is the price range: from $27,380 to $36,040.
Outwardly, they are so different, as if they were made in opposite ends of the earth. One is emphatically assertive and rude, frankly playing with novelty and athleticism. The other, on the contrary, is calm and friendly, disposes to itself with roundness of forms and simplicity of style. It would seem that there is no place to draw comparisons and analogies with such polar approaches of designers. Nevertheless, these are classmates, comparable in price and consumer orientation. In addition, they were produced in one country by competing firms, actively competing not only in the field of high technologies, but also on the tracks of rally championships. And yet the heroes of this test are far from professional sports, crazy speeds and overloads. Incorporating all-wheel drive, solid ground clearance and energy-intensive suspension, they have acquired spacious convertible bodies designed to provide convenience, first of all, for family vacations and travel. So, the novelty of the season "Mitsubishi Outlander" and time-tested "Subaru Forester". Cars positioned not only as universal, but also not devoid of driver's appeal. Well, the comparison will be more interesting.
COMPETITION OR SEARCH FOR OPTIMUM?
Before we begin to settle in interiors and evaluate driving capabilities, let's look under cars, because their element is not only paved roads. Oddly enough, there is much more "ideological" similarity here than in appearance. Almost the same ground clearance, very similar suspension travels, all-wheel drive schemes with viscous couplings as center differential locks, similar layout solutions for individual components and assemblies. And yet, visually, the Forester is more secure. Here the engine is closed with a powerful sheet, the exhaust system is "pulled" to the body tunnel, and the most vulnerable point - the element of the sub-frame - is not particularly afraid of contact with the ground.
Mitsubishi Outlander opposes all this only with a steel "ski" of the subframe, slightly covering the engine, and a long exhaust system: it is this that limits the geometric cross-country ability of the car. It is easy to assume that the consequences of its contact with the earth will be much more painful.
A certain commonality is noticeable in the salons. Similar four-spoke steering wheels, adjustable in height, seat adjustment knobs, head lighting and wiper controls, heating and ventilation, power window toggle switches - all this seems to be made in the same factories, only under different order numbers and with slight deviations to please the developers. I will not hide the fact that such revered Japanese traditions are discouraging at first, but there is certainly a rational grain in this. So, changing from car to car, you can complain, for example, about the unusual frameless side windows of the Subaru or note the clumsy instrument cluster of the Mitsubishi, but the fact that all the driver's personal belongings will be in their usual places is guaranteed.
"Standardized" and places for rear passengers. Convenient sizes of openings, "correct" pillows and backs, spaciousness and thoughtfulness. There is nothing superfluous here, but at the same time it is felt that the places are designed for full use on long journeys. Nevertheless, our rivals did not forget about family traits.
Mitsubishi Outlander is, first of all, the style and use of expensive upholstery materials. It is impossible not to pay attention to the design of the front panel, the framing of the instrument cluster, the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The embossed profile of the front seats, whose proportions and clear lateral fixation deserve only praise, will not go unnoticed. The range of longitudinal adjustment let us down a little - tall people will feel its limitations. Otherwise, it is convenient for both the driver and passengers.
Subaru Forester looks more democratic, and more traditional. Calm, no frills front panel, "synthetic" steering wheel, gray "ribbed" upholstery. But don't jump to conclusions. The low-key simplicity of the interior has a near-complete suite of electric services, as well as cruise control and a huge sunroof. It is not a sin to pay attention to the demultiplier lever, which is next to the parking brake. This Subaru signature dish of manual transmissions expands those very active capabilities of the car. The seats here, though not so refined in profile and configuration, but provide an undeniable advantage - an excellent range of longitudinal adjustment.
DAY OF ACTIVE REST
"Mitsubishi Outlander". Our acquaintance begins with a simple test route - a kind of working trip out of town. It's a great time when everyone is driving towards you, pushing in traffic jams, and we have fresh air, green lawns and ... of course, work.
Outlander is comfortable and friendly. It is worth slightly spurring the engine, which at first seemed boring, and the car easily flies along the highway at a speed of 140-160 km / h. Despite the fact that the tachometer needle has already exceeded 4000 rpm, it is quiet, comfortable and speed is not felt at all. Relaxing, I even missed braking a couple of times and then scolded - no, of course, not myself, but the bright sun and the prospect of working on such a day.
In general, the car is original, starting with the nature of the engine and ending with a smooth ride. The first, borrowed from the Lancer, suddenly surprises with the breadth of the rev range. Starting to "go" from 1000-1200 rpm, at the same time, he easily puts the tachometer needle at the seven thousandth mark and continues to "spin". But at the same time, you do not perceive the motor as sporty: on the contrary, its character is extremely even. Yes, and our car, as you understand, is not small to "light up" from some 136 hp. With.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is also unusual in the rest: a line of a mighty hood looms before your eyes, and dense energy-intensive suspensions repeat the profile of the road in some detail. There is something in this from the older brother - "Pajero", inspiring permissiveness. And it's true: as soon as more serious irregularities appear, the suspensions begin to effortlessly swallow bumps and potholes, and the seemingly overly muscular car suddenly seems to take off over obstacles. Of course, there is a limit to everything, but even on rather broken roads, the Outlander keeps up the good work, not tiring with the clanging of limiters and impulsive shaking.
In management, he is clear and reliable. Of course, this is not a playful passenger car, ready to scurry from row to row, here, on the contrary, the weight of each rebuilding is felt, but at the same time, the reactions of the car pleasantly surprise with logic. Now let's complicate the task a little by increasing the pace.
On straight lines, the Mitsubishi Outlander is still doing well, but in corners slippage of the front axle is not uncommon, when the steering wheel is tightened, it is sometimes supplemented by skidding of the rear axle. Of course, such a driving style is not quite suitable for a family off-road vehicle, but still it must be borne in mind that in some situations it can take quite a long time to “revenge with the tail”. All-wheel drive, of course, helps to catch the car, but she still does not like familiarity.
"Subaru Forester"After the emphasized all-terrain ability of the Outlander, the Subaru Forester is more likely perceived as an ordinary station wagon: you sit lower, and everything around is simple in a family way. character traits. "Forester" is definitely noisier: in addition to the engine, aerodynamic whistles, the rumble of tires are clearly audible. And although they do not put too much pressure on the eardrums, this is perhaps the most serious loss to the "Outlander". Everything else is very balanced, and in the driving plan "Forester" defends the position with exceptional confidence.
Obviously, its engine does not have such a wide operating speed range, but at the same time it is comfortable and traction, and the close-range transmission gives the car a pleasant agility. Of course, this car is also heavy for a two-liter 125-horsepower engine, but thanks to verified relationships, this is felt only at a very intense driving pace.
Subaru Forester has always been famous for its good ride. And now, in contrast to the dense, elastic "Outlander", it surprisingly gently damps road trifles and small gentle waves. However, this comfort is still more than a conventional passenger car. With an increase in speed, the Subaru's body buildup is more noticeable, the amplitude of vertical movements is greater. It turns out that one is more like a classic SUV, tough, but impenetrable, the other inherited the comfort of a passenger car, and with it some freedom of movement up and down.
"Forester" is at hand already in terms of handling. He is not only more maneuverable than his brother, but also rides differently. Here, the relationships are more accurate, there is less delay, and this makes driving somehow more familiar and easier. In fast corners, the car is much more active: it is sensitive to the actions of the steering wheel and the gas pedal. At the entrance to the turn, we also encountered slippage of the front axle, but the car fights them so intelligently that it does not give us a second to doubt the correctness of your actions, and most importantly, the successful outcome of the experiment. In the meantime, the asphalt is replaced by gravel, and then completely dirt road. But both "SUVs" do not "complex" at all, trying to demonstrate their full technical potential.
To be honest, on bad roads it is small, although both are able to confidently move even along a muddy country road. However, it is worth attacking something loose (in our case, gravel that the photographer liked so much), as you quickly encounter diagonal hanging; the clutch begins to burn, and the cars give up. Alas, this is not their element. Even the Forester with its downshift, having strained at first, soon retreats: there is not enough power, ground clearance and elementary invulnerability inherent in real "rogues". Looks like the active day is over.
A MATTER OF TASTE
Oh, those Japanese - they know how to puzzle! At first glance, everything seemed simple and logical. One is new and rushing into battle, the other is an already established, used product. It would seem that the outcome of the struggle is obvious. Nothing like this! Perhaps, if you meticulously place the scores, then carefully sum them up, a small difference will turn out. In whose favor? The answer is as contradictory as the results of our measurements, where the dynamics are better for the Outlander, and the maximum speed is higher for the Forester, or the braking distance, which differs by only half a meter - despite the fact that the beginner has all disc brakes, and "Forester" rear drums. Even the prices are comparable: "Mitsubishi-Outlander" in the configuration "Sport" costs $29,790, and "Subaru-Forester" $31,280 - a little more, and then due to the sunroof and cruise control.
Mitsubishi Outlander pros and cons:
- The trunk is too small - the developed release and the full-size spare wheel are to blame;
- Two-liter 136-horsepower engine - basic equipment;
- The "Sport" package is characterized by expensive upholstery materials, and the steering wheel rim is covered with leather;
- The white scales of the instrument panel enliven the dark background, but look clumsy;
- At the rear, everything is thought out for comfort on long trips;
- The front seats with a developed relief, in the armrest - a box for small items.
Subaru Forester pros and cons:
- The trunk is capacious and comfortable, and the engine is not evil, but high-torque.
- The interior does not impress with stylistic delights - however, when you sit down, you settle in without comment and find everything you need for a long and comfortable existence.
- "Correct" pillows and backs, spaciousness and thoughtfulness - quite a family interior.
- The demultiplier (its lever next to the handbrake) adds confidence on country roads.
- Looking for differences in suspension travel - in fact, they are almost the same.
So it seems that you will have to choose with your “heart”, although one of ours summed it up like this: “If you need a car to comfortably carry yourself, choose the Mitsubishi Outlander,” but if you want to drive, look at the Subaru Forester.
Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester - 2 urban mid-size cars from Japanese manufacturers. They belong to the category of urban crossovers with a rich production history, which began in 2001 and 1997, respectively. New generation machines have high ground clearance (215 and 220 mm) and all-wheel drive transmission. However, the presence of a continuously variable variator in the running (best-selling) versions of the CUV clearly hints at their places of operation - the city and light country roads. You should not count on more.
Dimensions and design
Outlander is longer than the competitor, provides a spacious and comfortable fit for rear passengers thanks to a larger wheelbase (+ 30 mm). Forester looks higher due to the raised roof. Subaru has slightly more ground clearance (220 vs 215mm).
Table 1. Comparison of the main technical characteristics of Japanese crossoversoutlanderAndForester
|
Characteristic |
Mitsubishi outlander |
Subaru Forester |
| Machine dimensions, in mm |
4695 by 1800 by 1680 (with roof rails) |
4610 (4595) by 1795 by 1735 |
| Wheelbase, in mm | ||
| Curb weight, in kg | ||
| The maximum weight of the towed trailer, in t | ||
| The volume of the luggage compartment (standard and maximum), in l |
591 (477) / 1754 (1640) |
489 / 1548 (1541) |
| Ground clearance, in mm | ||
| The volume of the gas tank, in l | ||
| Fuel consumption per 100 km (combined cycle), in l | ||
| The maximum speed of the top version, in km/h |
Due to the larger wheelbase Outlander outperforms the competitor in terms of space for rear passengers. The main advantage of the Forester is the high roof, which has become a characteristic feature of the car.
Mitsubishi Outlander looks more modern than its opponent, this is manifested in the rear of the car - a large amount of chrome is used in the finishing of external body parts in Outlander. Forester is simpler and more familiar, it does not have original solutions in the exterior. He retained his former "masculine" appearance.
Both cars come in top trim levels with adaptive LED headlights that give the crossovers an expensive look. 
When choosing a salon, you will have to focus on taste preferences. Finishing materials of average quality. The driver's seat is more comfortable in the Subaru Forester, as is the rear sofa. At Mitsubishi, it is a little more rigid.
Mitsubishi Outlander is more modern, more detailed than the Forester, and corresponds to the brand's design concept. The appearance of the Forester has not changed for several model years and requires new design solutions. Landing is better in Subaru, and the interior design of the cars are close to each other.
Choice of engines and gearboxes
For a Mitsubishi brand car, there are 2 gasoline engines to choose from that comply with the Euro-5 environmental standard and have a DOHC system. Both motors are able to work properly on "92" gasoline. 4-cylinder 16-valve power units have a volume of 2 and 2.4 liters. The junior 2.0 engine develops 146 horsepower, and the 2.4-liter engine develops 167 hp.
For power units that are installed in the Outlander, one transmission is supplied. This is a CVT CVT, it works smoothly and silently. Like other continuously variable transmission, it does not like active driving in a “torn” rhythm with sharp braking.
It is worth talking about the special version of Outlander called GT. The main difference from conventional crossovers is the presence of a 3-liter V6. The technical characteristics of the 6-cylinder engine are 291 Hm of torque and 230 horsepower. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This provides acceleration to 100 km / h in 8.7 seconds and a speed of 205 km / h.
Video: Comparative test drive: Subaru Forester SG and Subaru Forester SJ
With another Japanese car, the same situation. Russians are offered 3 petrol engines to choose from. The older one has a turbocharging system, so with a 2.5-liter volume it develops a power of 242 horsepower. The turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection has good traction. In the range of 2400-3600 rpm, the turbo engine produces 350 units of torque. It works in conjunction with a continuously variable transmission (Lineartronic) and accelerates the Subaru to the first hundred in 7.5 seconds.
The remaining engines with a volume of 2 and 2.5 liters produce 150 and 171 hp. accordingly, they have a system of sequential distributed fuel injection. A less powerful engine is equipped with a 6-speed "mechanics". For the 171-horsepower unit, only a variator is offered.
Engines in Forester are more powerful and high-torque, but more demanding on fuel quality (AI-95 is recommended). Outlander motors are slightly more economical.
The difference between modern "CVTs" and 6-speed "automatic" in terms of smoothness and fuel consumption is not so significant. Mitsubishi's 6-speed automatic transmission will become a virtue only for ardent opponents of CVT transmissions, since the Subaru Forester in the Premium configuration surpasses the Outlander GT in terms of dynamics.
All-wheel drive systems
All Wheel Control - the all-wheel drive system installed in the Mitsubishi crossover provides independent control of each wheel, contributes to confident and stable driving on light off-road. Works in 3 modes:
- Eco(high fuel efficiency).
2. Auto(all-wheel drive is switched on automatically in difficult road conditions).
3.Lock(off-road mode with maximum blocking of the multi-plate clutch).
The Forester has a proprietary Symmetrical AWD system that distributes torque to 4 wheels. Works continuously and improves vehicle handling in difficult road conditions. The advantage of Subaru's all-wheel drive is the correct positioning, which helps to lower the center of gravity and improve the car's stability on the road.
Both all-wheel drive systems are functional and reliable. They are even designed for certain loads, but their capabilities are limited due to CVT gearboxes and imperfect geometric cross-country ability (in the case of the Outlander).
Video: Subaru Forester 2016 Test Drive / Subaru Forester 2016 Igor Burtsev
Equipment
Forester is offered in 8 trim levels - from the entry-level Base to the top-end Premium. The starting cost of the crossover is 1,659 thousand rubles. For comparison: Mitsubishi - 1,499 thousand rubles, and Russians can choose from 6 trim levels. Although for this price the buyer will receive only a mono-drive version of the city crossover with a slightly less powerful engine (146 hp). Prices do not include discounts for special programs.
The standard equipment of the Mitsubishi crossover includes: 2 airbags, electrically operated side mirrors, rear LED optics, on-board computer, 6 speakers, climate control. The basic version of Subaru is richer due to heated front seats, a 7-inch color display, the STARLINK system, 2 additional side airbags, and most importantly, the presence of an all-wheel drive transmission.
driving experience
In the city
Outlander is more comfortable in urban environments. Suspension and variator are designed for operation on asphalt roads. Mitsubishi is intuitively simple and clear in management, allows you to smoothly start from a place without jerking and pecking.
The Forester is more dynamic and more active than the Outlander. A car with a turbo engine contributes to a more agile ride compared to the average SUV. Suspension Subaru in the city feels too stiff. The driver and passengers will feel the unevenness and defects of the roadway in the cabin of the "Japanese". Especially bad with ride comfort on broken roads. We have to put up with unpleasant shaking.
It is more comfortable to ride a Mitsubishi Outlander in the city. The competitor car is a little more dynamic, but the stiffness of the suspension will take some getting used to.
Off-road
Table 2. Comparison of the geometric crossover crossovers
The body of the Subaru Forester is better suited for off-road adventures thanks to the specially shaped front and rear bumpers. As a result, Subaru has more approach and exit angles compared to Mitsubishi.
An additional limitation for off-road capabilities are suspensions, which are characterized by short travel. The Outlander succeeds in this, which strives to “hang out the wheels” even on medium bumps. Mitsubishi does not have an imitation of locking cross-axle differentials, but it does have a CVT that is prone to overheating. An automatic transmission and a high-torque 3-liter engine correct the situation, but here the geometric cross-country ability of the body becomes a weak link.
Forester is more durable and unpretentious off-road. Allows you to actively drive over rough terrain without fear of transmission overheating (under moderate loads). The stepless variator surrenders much later than the same mechanism from another car. But the main advantage of the mid-size crossover manufactured by Subaru is the presence of a special electronic system that simulates the locking of inter-wheel differentials.
The cars are mid-size crossovers with 4x4 transmissions that go off-road. Feelings will be different. A trip to the Outlander will turn into a hassle. Forester will show off-road inclinations and fighting character, but still this “Japanese” should not be subjected to severe tests.
What to choose?
Outlander is preferable for urban use. The Mitsubishi Outlander car is more comfortable on smooth asphalt roads. It has a stylish and memorable appearance. Subaru is a more versatile vehicle ready for moderate off-road driving. Pleases with dynamics, reckless handling, composure on the road. The main drawback is inappropriate rigidity in the city. Not every driver will like it.
Technology does not stand still, providing people with a convenient and comfortable life. Today, there are many means of transportation. Next, two popular crossovers of Japanese origin will be considered. How are they similar, what are their differences and which car is better to choose? Subaru Forester VS Mitsubishi Outlander!
Subaru Forester appeared on the market in 1997 and won the honorary title the founder of crossovers. Based on the Impreza model, the car perfectly combines the features of an SUV and a sedan, and also continues to delight fans with reliable and high-quality equipment, as evidenced by sales figures.
Subaru Forester is a very popular type in the United States of America: in the last five 5 years it has been sold there more than half a million cars. During the period of existence, 5 generations were created. Subaru Forester remains virtually unchanged from year to year. The design is being improved, the internal technology is being improved, but no "new chips" are being introduced. In this regard, manufacturers are very conservative.
As noted earlier, the Forester is practical car. The spaciousness of the cabin will satisfy even the owners of a large family that lives not only within the city, but also beyond it. Thanks to the famous proprietary All Wheel Drive (AWD) system and all-wheel drive, the car has high stability and cross-country ability, ease of operation and good acceleration dynamics. Subaru's symmetrical four-wheel drive provides the driver with reliable traction in all weather conditions. Easy handling is also ensured by the use of gasoline boxer engines, which have an impact directly on the center of gravity, reducing it.
Compared with the first generation, subsequent models began to have a less aggressive appearance due to smooth body lines.
If you focus on the latest generation of the Subaru Forester crossover, then you may not see external changes: a new design of headlights, bumpers and other parts. But technical changes have been made: now this car is based on the SGP (Subaru Global Platform), which was created by the company for all new models.
Despite the fact that the dimensions of the vehicle remained the same as those of the fourth generation, due to the increase in the wheelbase, there was more space for the rear passengers. Ground clearance is also 220 km. Manufacturers paid a lot of attention to the engine, working on its efficiency and vibration load, which is responsible for noise and shaking.
It first appeared on the market in 2001 under a different name - "Mitsubishi Airtrek", which expressed the main idea of the Japanese crossover - the pleasure and ease of driving. The basis of the first generation of this model was the Mitsubishi ASX. The renaming of the model served as a change from the previous platform to GS.
Now the model had several power units, not only Mitsubishi, but also from Volkswagen and Citroen. Now the main goal that came from the new name was to provide the client with comfort for a long journey into uncharted lands. What does it mean in translation from English - a stranger. So, Mitsubishi Outlander of the second generation appeared on the market in 2005.
An interesting fact is that, despite the continuation of the production of the first generation under the old name, the production of the second generation has begun. However, this did not bother buyers, and the model was actively in demand. The third generation Mitsubishi Outlander hit the market in 2016. The rear part of the body, LED headlights, wheels, steering wheel design, as well as decorative interior elements were modified.
All major modifications of the Outlander are equipped with an all-wheel drive system, except for two front-wheel drive versions in the Inform and Invite configurations with an engine in 2 liters. During the next update, Outlander received a number of design improvements: increased structural rigidity of the body, updated suspension, electric power steering, soundproof glass.
Also, additional soundproofing equipment is installed throughout the car. With a three-liter engine of the Sport version, the crossover is equipped with the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) all-wheel drive system, which, thanks to good traction, allows the driver to keep the car on the chosen trajectory.
Similarities
For comparison, cars are taken from the latest generations:
- Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander are crossovers from the same price category.
- They have permanent all-wheel drive.
- They accelerate to 200 km per hour, having the same acceleration dynamics.
- Fuel type - gasoline.
- Gearbox - variator.
- They have approximately similar dimensions with a capacity of 5 people, the number of doors (5).
Differences
- The Subaru Forester has a 48-litre fuel tank, while the Mitsubishi Outlander has 60.
- The Forester weighs 1640kg while the Outlander weighs 1490kg.
- They have a different layout: Mitsubishi Outlander - transverse power unit, Subaru Forester - longitudinal power unit.
- The Forester has a boxer engine, the Outlander has an in-line engine.
- The luggage compartment of the Subaru Forester is larger than that of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Rear suspension types: Subaru Forester - double wishbone, Mitsubishi Outlander - multi-link.
What is better?
Compared models of Japanese crossovers have both similar features and different ones. The choice of car will depend on the driver's preferences for roads and driving. If the choice fell on off-road and natural trips, then Forester should be preferred for its downshift.
Outlander, on the other hand, combines easy handling and smoothness, which will be a nice bonus when driving on city roads in any weather conditions. The Forester also has boxer power units, which affect the center of gravity and ensure its reduction. The car has high stability and cross-country ability, providing the driver and passengers with a safe ride.
Outlander, in turn, is suitable for city driving: It handles corners and loose urban pavement very well, following a predetermined trajectory precisely. Such a mixture of an SUV with a passenger car will provide the driver with a comfortable and economical trip around the city. In addition, the car's engine runs quietly and smoothly.
Subaru Forester
2.5 L, 171 HP, CVT, Trend Sport
RUB 1,590,000
Mitsubishi Outlander
2.0 l, 145 hp, CVT, Instyle
RUB 1,269,990
TULA REGION. RUSSIAN CHERNOZEM
“All last night it rained like a wall, almost a month's worth of precipitation fell,” the local radio host reported at the moment when we turned off the asphalt towards the “estate” of one of our colleagues. He immediately somehow became sad: he knew how everything could end, but he didn’t say a word to us. Apparently, he was afraid that we, frightened of difficulties, would turn back.
In the meantime, we are rolling along a smooth grader, admiring the open spaces. Freshly plowed fields are alarming with huge puddles. Everyone knows: it’s not easy to drive through the muddy black soil. The sun is hot - you see, by the evening everything will dry up. But we don't have time to wait!
A colleague gives a signal - by turning off the stabilization system, we turn into a soggy rut. Deep! The Outlander often scrapes its bottom on the ground, but the Forester is not noticed in this. Cars crawl from side to side, scattering clods of dirt around, but they go. Wheels now and then start slipping - toothy tires would be preferable here. And these, purely highway, instantly blurred, and now the Mitsubishi has become a prisoner of the black earth bog. We put on our boots and disembark. Yep, sit on your belly. There is no point in switching the 4×4 transmission to permanent all-wheel drive. It also makes no sense to twitch in the "forward-backward" mode. Pulled up - and pushed out together. Subaru didn't even need help.
On the road again. In a rut, you can feel: the Outlander variator is working at its limit. You press, you press the accelerator, and the engine speed almost does not grow, it is no wonder to stall again. And after all, he got stuck - he had to go through the swamp at a pace, but the Mitsubishi did not have time to gain enough speed. This time it was not possible to get out on our own - I had to pull out the Forester. Once, and you're done!
It feels like Subaru doesn’t care at all - rushing forward like a tractor! It goes easily, with a margin, like a slightly soaked primer under the wheels. The most interesting thing is that its variator does not give up in deep mud - it regularly transfers traction to the wheels and allows you to accelerate linearly, without delays. Even after forty minutes of such a ride, he was not at all tired, he continued to act with the same efficiency. Great unit! Its amazing performance is explained, apparently, by the rejection of the V-belt transmission (Mitsubishi has just such) in favor of the V-chain, which is better able to withstand loads. Believe me, off-road it feels like hoo.
The colleague encourages: now, they say, we’ll go up the hill, and there it’s a stone’s throw to the dacha. It's easy to say, because he is on the Forester, and my Outlander got up in the middle of the slope and refused to go further. I roll back. After a decent acceleration, I still took the height - and I see how the Subaru is rolling down. Good for him: there is an electronic assistant downhill. Mitsubishi does not have this; however, we ourselves know how to slow down.
But the main hurdle lies ahead. The river, usually a meter and a half wide and ankle-deep, overflowed during the night - you have to force it. The Forester went first. He raised a wave in front of the bumper, and she tore off the number with ease. Okay, we spotted it just in time. With the trailing "Outlander" - it happens! - Exactly at the same place, the same incident happened.
While looking for rooms, water leaked into the Subaru salon, and it arrived quickly. In an instant they got ashore, and here is the long-awaited dacha. We've arrived! We put the Forester nose down so that everything flows out of the drainage holes in the body. Well, they themselves accelerated the process by scooping out. While they were engaged in drainage, the car hummed and groaned with all its components and assemblies, like a disgruntled dog that was taken out for a walk in bad weather. After about ten minutes, extraneous noises subsided, the air was filled with a much more pleasant chirping of birds. It was worth the hassle for this.
FIVE HOURS EARLIER. DMITROVSKY POLYGON
Crossovers spend most of their time on land, so we let them fan out on the asphalt of the landfill. From the very first meters behind the wheel of the Forester, one feels: it is imprisoned for active driving. Harsh suspension regularly translates every crack in the coating into the cabin. At the same time, the energy intensity of the chassis is impressive: it seems impossible to bring things to a breakdown. At high speed, the car becomes more comfortable, as if hovering over patches of asphalt. Nothing leads her astray - a monolith! Just the case when more travel - less holes. The steering settings also pleased: sensitive, informative, with instant responses. Even at speeds well over a hundred, the Subaru remains in complete control. And the motor is missing. Whole car.
"Outlander" showed completely different habits. Its suspension perfectly isolates the interior from road trifles, but on larger bumps it shakes more than in the Forester. Blows are transferred to the steering wheel. The steering wheel is very light, feedback is missing, and zero is missing as a class. In running corners, the Mitsubishi is not as strong as the Subaru, which is why you automatically cling to the steering wheel. It’s better not to rush - with a leisurely ride, you like the Outlander more than with an active one. Moreover, the duet of a 2-liter engine noisy at high speeds and a CVT does not have to recklessness. To spur the car, he constantly fiddled with the paddles on the steering wheel. I think after a month or two of operation I would have polished them to a shine.
THE DAY EVER. MOSCOW
It so happened that I had never dealt with the new Outlander before, so I view its interior with predilection. After the dull interior of its predecessor, it looks more interesting, there is something to catch the eye. It looks great like a center console suspended in the air, slightly turned towards the driver. Good devices with a color display in the middle. I appreciate the visibility. The quality of the plastic is not bad, but the leatherette on the door panels looks too cheap. There is not enough attention to detail: the bottom of the trays and niches are not rubberized, the buttons are made roughly, the handbrake is located on the passenger side, there is no case for glasses. But I was pleased with the space in the second row - you can cross your legs! And the floor tunnel is small. It is a pity that the doors do not open wide - it is inconvenient to sit down.
Sitting in the Outlander, you immediately understand that it is cheaper than the Forester: the finish is inexpensive. Yes, and in other nuances, savings are felt.
I haven’t ridden the new Forester either, but I look at its interior without much interest. After all, it is exactly the same as that of the well-known Subaru-XV crossover. Everything is familiar: cool seats, a grippy steering wheel, spectacular instruments, the arrows of which, after turning on the ignition, like in sports cars, shoot to the extreme position and return back. Visibility, however, is worse than in the Outlander.
And all the same, it is more comfortable in the good-quality Forester cabin - it is felt that this is a more expensive car. It has better finishing materials, “music” sounds richer (“Harman Kardon”, by the way). Such an element of luxury as an electric tailgate did not go unnoticed. The trunk itself, however, is not as spacious as that of the Mitsubishi. And there is less space on the back sofa. But there can be no talk of tightness.
AFTER TESTING. EDITION
When placing the marks after the tests, I caught myself thinking that there was nothing special to remember about Mitsubishi. The Outlander did not leave a trace in my soul, an ordinary car. Spacious, comfortable, but no more. But the Forester evoked much more emotions: bright, dynamic, with good cross-country ability. A trip on this one is not forgotten for a long time (especially in the Tula mud!). But forcing the ford was not in vain - the audio amplifier, hidden under the front seat, burned down, having scooped up water. The “music” was good, it’s a pity it didn’t play for long. But even this moment did not spoil the overall impression. One memory of the Forester will be more!
READY FOR OFF-ROAD?
Measuring ground clearance "Subaru":
pretty surprised - 225 mm! Not every SUV has one, not to mention crossovers. And in the back of the Forester, we intended even more - 235 mm. Considering the small overhangs and the serious ramp angle, the Lesnik's geometric cross-country ability should be recognized as excellent. It is a pity that the Japanese limited themselves to this and did not protect the engine compartment with a metal plate. But in general, the bottom is even, without protruding elements.
The manufacturer should also be reprimanded for the front towing eyes: too narrow to get to them is inconvenient:
Mitsubishi liked the towing eyes both in shape and location:
The ground clearance of the Outlander is much less, but its 200 mm is still a good result for a crossover. Moreover, the manufacturer did not save on the metal protection of the engine compartment:
The front and rear overhangs are larger than those of the Forester. Geometric cross-country ability worsens the spare wheel under the bottom - its fastening clung to the ground all the time, grass was stuffed there.
SO DIFFERENT CVT
The endurance of the variators was also tested on the high-speed ring of the training ground, along which they drove at maximum speed. Already after 10 km, Mitsubishi started having problems: the transmission groaned plaintively, the engine speed dropped, and a suggestion to slow down was displayed on the instrument panel (photo 1).
