Outlander III vs Forester IV (SJ): which is better?
Mitsubishi Outlander III (2012–2021) vs Subaru Forester IV (SJ) (2012–2018): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Mitsubishi Outlander III
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)Specifications
| Mitsubishi Outlander III | Subaru Forester IV (SJ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2012–2021 | 2012–2018 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.4 | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 167 hp | 171 hp |
| Torque, up to | 222 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 695 mm | 4 595 mm |
| Width | 1 810 mm | 1 795 mm |
| Height | 1 710 mm | 1 735 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 670 mm | 2 640 mm |
| Ground clearance | 215 mm | 220 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 28 750 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Mitsubishi Outlander III
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 215 mm
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mitsubishi 4B1x (1.8–2.4): valve cover leak
- Gearbox Jatco JF016E/JF017E (CVT): bearing whine
Engine (Mitsubishi 4B1x (1.8–2.4)): few widespread serious problems; valve cover leak; chain stretch at high mileage.
Gearbox (Jatco JF016E/JF017E (CVT)): bearing drone; belt and pulley wear; overheating.
Subaru Forester IV (SJ)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 220 mm
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Subaru FB20/FB25 engine: oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines
- Subaru Lineartronic gearbox (CVT): torque converter and chain wear
Engine (Subaru FB20/FB25): oil consumption on 2011–2014 engines; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Subaru Lineartronic (CVT)): torque converter and chain wear; overheating when wheels spin.
Which one to choose
- Outlander III — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Forester IV (SJ) — if you care more about: power, torque, ground clearance.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Outlander III or Forester IV (SJ)?
Outlander III: up to 167 hp, Forester IV (SJ): up to 171 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Outlander III: 215 mm, Forester IV (SJ): 220 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Outlander III — about 28 750 ₸, Forester IV (SJ) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.