We remember the previous generation Mitsubishi Outlander as a driver's car, although not particularly comfortable. It's time to test the new generation model, and in comparison with Renault Koleos and Subaru Forester.

The appearance of the new Mitsubishi Outlander has changed dramatically. The design has become more modern, but has lost even a hint of aggression, for which its predecessor was famous. Now he is a well-fed, respectable family man, calm and balanced. The Subaru Forester looks like a hard worker in its background, while the Renault Koleos looks like a dude, especially in orange color, like our test car.

Technically, the new Outlander is built on the previous platform and remains the same in size. Nearly. He became shorter by 1 cm, if it is important to someone. At the same time, outwardly, the crossover seems to be noticeably larger than its predecessor due to its rounded shapes. And its curb weight, on the contrary, decreased by 75-95 kg, depending on the modification.

The engines are old, but modernized. They are now more economical and can “digest” 92nd gasoline. Buyers are offered two gasoline atmospheric power units with a volume of 2 and 2.4 liters, developing 145 and 167 hp. respectively. On all modifications, a continuously variable variator is used as a transmission. The version with a 2-liter engine can have both four-wheel drive and front-wheel drive, and the "older" model is exclusively all-wheel drive. Prices for the new product range from 969,000 to 1,439,990 rubles for the basic configuration.

Renault Koleos has been produced since 2008 and is sold on the Russian market only with all-wheel drive. By the way, there is not much French in it - the platform came from Nissan Qashqai, and the crossover is produced in Korea. Engines - 2-liter turbodiesel with 150 hp. or a 2.5-liter petrol unit that develops 171 hp. Three transmissions are offered at once: for gasoline versions a 6-speed “mechanics” or a variator is possible, and a 6-range “automatic” is relied on for a diesel engine. Prices - from 999,000 to 1,258,000 rubles for basic configurations. In 2011, the model underwent a planned restyling, receiving an updated front end. Actually, basically, this is where the updates ended, except for minor cosmetic changes in the cabin and the new corporate color Cayenne Orange, in which our test copy is painted.

Subaru Forester looks like an old man against the background of rivals, although it is the same age as the “Frenchman”. The world has already shown the model of the next generation, but until it appears on sale, the old version will have to “take the rap” for it. In 2011, the Forester had a restyling, in which the crossover received a slightly retouched appearance and new engines of 2 and 2.5 liters with a capacity of 150 and 172 hp. respectively. But the turbocharged 2.5-liter unit remained unchanged - it produces 230 or 263 hp. depending on modification.

For the most powerful 263-horsepower version, only a 5-band automatic transmission is offered, and the rest of the options are content with a 5-speed "mechanics" or a 4-band "automatic". The most affordable Forester costs 1,088,200 rubles, and the most expensive generally plays in another league - no less than 1,787,200 in Russian currency. However, at the end of the “career” of the model, dealers delight buyers with good discounts.

We have collected for the test equivalent petrol modifications with four-wheel drive. Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with a 167-horsepower 2.4-liter engine and CVT, Renault Koleos - a 2.5-liter power unit with 171 horsepower. and a variator, while the Subaru Forester has a 2.5-liter boxer developing 172 hp and a 4-band automatic.

Inner world

The Outlander's interior has changed for the better compared to its predecessor. If before there was practically no soft plastic in the cabin, now the upper part of the front panel is pressed when pressed with a finger, and it looks quite premium. The design is serious and the ergonomics are mostly okay. Is that the inclusion of seat heating with the keys located in the area of ​​the center armrest, makes you very distracted from the road. But in general, the new Outlander in terms of the interior puts rivals on the shoulder blades.

The new Outlander is better built than its predecessor

Renault Koleos has less soft plastic and looks cheaper. And the ergonomics of the French crossover are specific - while you figure out the navigation or "music", it will take a lot of time. And the proprietary "luxury" seat heating buttons at the ends of the seat bases will not be a problem only for the owner with extensive experience in driving this brand of cars. Subaru has a complete order with ergonomics, which can not be said about the design and quality of finishing materials. Everywhere hard, echoing plastic and a complete lack of zest, only new devices with beautiful graphics slightly enliven the interior.

But in terms of seating comfort and the geometry of the driving position, there is no better car in our test than the Forester. The recliner has a great profile and the driver sits low, almost like in a passenger car. Landing in Outlander is typically “jeep”, high, and the flat seat, devoid of lateral support, does not dispose to corner attacks. In Koleos, the driving position, like the ergonomics, is specific. And the point here is not in the high, like the Outlander, the placement of the seat, but in the very low front panel. Because of this, the instruments and the steering wheel are almost at the level of the knees, while the steering wheel is located in a bus slope. As a result, you sit as if on a stool, which is facilitated by a comfortable, but flat chair.

Outlander leads the second row. There is plenty of room across the board, but the most legroom compared to the competition. Even sitting behind a tall (190 cm) driver, the rear passenger with a height of 180 cm feels very at ease. In Subaru, under the same conditions, the space is noticeably less, although the passenger does not reach the front seat with his knees, while the Forester's sofa is located lower than that of its rivals.

Koleos has the least space. The rear passenger's knees are dangerously close to the hard plastic tables in the backs of the front seats (the other two competitors have no tables). And Koleos is the only car in our test that has ventilation deflectors in the central pillars, and the air is supplied to them by a separate fan, and the rear passenger can choose the intensity of the blowing: strong or weak. The comfort of the sofas of the three cars is roughly equivalent, and all of them have adjustable backrest tilt.

In terms of the size of the luggage compartment, Mitsubishi Outlander is again the leader, and it significantly surpasses its rivals. Due to the new kinematics of folding seats with a separately raised cushion, it was possible to gain an extra 323 mm in length with the second row seats folded in comparison with its predecessor, which already had a rather large trunk. But Renault is not a miss either. Although not ready to boast of significant volume, the back of the front passenger seat folds down, so the length of the transported items can be even longer than that of the Outlander. However, Subaru, whose trunk, although inferior to Mitsubishi in terms of volume, and Renault in terms of transformation capabilities, is unlikely to disappoint its owner.

Struggle of characters

If you look at the passport data, then Renault will be among the leaders in acceleration dynamics. And this despite the fact that its curb weight is more than 100 kg more than that of its competitors. In reality, the dynamics of the Koleos and Outlander are almost identical. Both crossovers are equipped with continuously variable variators, and therefore accelerate in a trolley-like manner evenly, gently responding to pressing the accelerator pedal. Both have a pseudo-handed mode to simulate gear changes, but by and large, there is no need for it. Unless you get tired of listening to the howling of the engine during intense acceleration, when the variator maintains the maximum torque. At the same time, both in terms of volume and timbre, the motors are also very similar - the melodic "voice" of neither one nor the other can not be called.

Koleos feels great in the city

Equipped with an old 4-band automatic, Subaru doesn't feel like an outsider at all. On the contrary, when starting from a place, he seems much more powerful than his rivals. It's all about the very sharp settings of the accelerator pedal - slightly moved his right foot, and the crossover literally rushes forward. And he does it so zealously that in traffic jams it makes you nervous, dangerously “jumping” on the car in front.

With an increase in speed, the effect of sharpness fades away, and the Forester becomes comparable with its competitors in acceleration dynamics. As for the gearbox, it is not a champion in “rate of fire”, although it does its job reliably. But what a sound from the engine! Rough, hoarse "boxer" roar cannot be confused with anything. In a word, our competitors are approximately equal in overclocking dynamics. At the speeds permitted by the rules, the capabilities of their engines and transmissions are quite enough, but these crossovers will not become the leaders of traffic light races. However, their owners are unlikely to be upset by this.

If Subaru has an excessively sharp accelerator set, then Renault has brakes set up in a similar way. When you first touch the Koleos brake pedal, the car seems to rest against an invisible obstacle and sharply nodding, as if you are braking on the “floor”. You don't get used to such excessive sensitivity right away. But, having adjusted, you rejoice in the accuracy and excellent predictability of deceleration. After that, the brakes of rivals, especially Mitsubishi, seem to be “wadded”. However, you rebuild back much faster and you realize that the rest of the brakes are also all right, both with information content and with efficiency.

The “longest” (3.6 turns from lock to lock) steering in Subaru. And at the same time the most accurate and informative. At whatever angle the wheels are turned, the driver always knows what is happening to them. Mitsubishi has a “shorter” steering wheel - 3.3 turns from lock to lock, but the feedback is not so good, and the car reacts with laziness to the movements of the hands of the person sitting behind the wheel. The "Frenchman" has the most "sharp" steering. His "steering wheel" makes only three turns from lock to lock. With information content, everything is in order here, but traditionally for Renault cars, the steering wheel in the parking lot is unnaturally light, and in motion it returns too zealously to zero position, as if on a tight spring. But in city traffic, it is Koleos that is felt as the most lively and maneuverable car - girls like these. The competitors, on the other hand, seem a little heavyweight, especially Mitsubishi.

The "Frenchman" rides like a tightly inflated ball, which is also traditional for this brand. Its chassis is resilient and quite comfortable overcomes most irregularities, but shakes on cracks and asphalt joints. Mitsubishi and Subaru are similar in ride comfort. Their suspensions are tuned softer than those of Renault, and they pass large bumps more comfortably, but on the same cracks and joints, the crossovers tremble with their whole “body”, like off-road SUVs with heavy wheels. In terms of noise insulation, Outlander is among the leaders - the rumble from tires almost does not penetrate into its interior, and the interior panels are “silent”. In Koleos, there is almost no tire noise either, but extraneous squeaks are heard in the cabin, the main part of which comes from somewhere in the back. The Forester has the same problem, exacerbated by the palpable hum from the tires.

On the freeway, the Outlander steers its course confidently and calmly, without reacting to rut and other road disturbances, but in gentle turns on the steering wheel there is no more feedback, which makes the driver tense up. The French crossover, on the contrary, on a straight line slightly "walks" left and right, although it also does not react to rutting, and on a high-speed arc, thanks to a good stabilizing effort, it feels quite confident. At the same time, the Forester driver is not worried about anything - under any conditions, the crossover moves unwaveringly and pleases with excellent feedback.

And on the winding suburban highway, the Subaru Forester is generally out of competition. Despite the “long” steering wheel, it is this crossover that allows you to go fast and enjoy it.

Subaru's handling is the best in our test.

The boxer motor provides the car with a lower center of gravity, which gives the crossover almost easy handling, which is especially noticeable against the background of competitors. At the same time, the chassis perfectly dampens road waves, on which Mitsubishi, for example, begins to perceptibly sway up and down, which is why passengers with a particularly sensitive vestibular apparatus may experience bouts of seasickness.

If sharp bends are added to the undulating road, the Outlander driver will have to slow down, as the swing will be accompanied by strong banks. Add to this “cocktail” slightly slower reactions to the turn of a not very informative steering wheel and mediocre grip properties of tires, and the “portrait” of the new model is ready: this is a family car for leisurely movement in space. Needless to say, the previous Outlander was the complete opposite? However, why rush headlong on a crossover? Most of the predecessor's owners wanted more comfort, and they got it.

Surprisingly, the Koleos suspension is no worse than the Subarovskaya one that resists the wavy road, however, in terms of behavior in turns, the “Frenchman” is already closer to the Outlander - strong rolls and slow reactions to steering actions. But this is if you recklessly, and with a quiet ride, Renault, as in the city, pleases with good maneuverability and good feedback.

If you move off the asphalt onto the dirt road, the Subaru chassis will work even more harmoniously - even if you go to the rally track! That is, the worse the road, the greater his advantage over his rivals. At the same time, the Mitsubishi suspension is very similar in energy intensity to the Subar one, but here too, rolls and buildup occur, not to mention slow reactions to steering actions.

Under these conditions, Renault, when the speeds are not so high, handles more interesting and faster than the Outlander, but its stiffer chassis more shakes riders on bumps, although it does not come to outright discomfort. True, during such a ride, an unpleasant creak is heard from the trunk of Renault, but it cannot be compared with the cacophony of metallic sounds from the empty luggage compartment of Subaru. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, is silent as a partisan.

Which crossover to choose? The question is controversial. They are completely different, and therefore this is a matter of personal preference. Subaru Forester is perfect for those who most of all appreciate the honed driving performance in the car and are ready to put up with the Spartan interior for this. Renault Koleos is the most convenient way to move around the city, and its specific appearance and interior can attract the fair sex. Mitsubishi Outlander is the highest quality, quietest and most comfortable, it has the most spacious interior and trunk. In a word, the choice is up to the buyer.

Outlander has the best balance of consumer qualities

Mitsubishi Outlander Specifications
Dimensions, mm	4655x1680x1800
Wheelbase, mm
Front / rear track, mm
Turning circle, m
Clearance, mm
Trunk volume, l
Curb weight, kg
engine's type	petrol L4
Working volume, cubic meters cm
Max. power, hp / rpm
Max. moment, Nm / rpm
Transmission	stepless variator
Front / rear brakes	ventilated disc / disc
Max. speed, km / h
Acceleration time 0-100 km / h, s
Fuel consumption (average), l / 100 km

The confrontation between the Impreza WRX STI and the Lancer Evolution is nothing new. Now the competition between Subaru and Mitsubishi has spread to the crossover segment. The new Forester even looks like the popular Outlander XL! Although Subaru hasn't grown as much as its rival. Can the Forester make up for this with technical excellence?

Introduced in 1997, the Subaru Forester laid the foundation for a special class of cars with increased capacity. The specific model was located between all-wheel drive station wagons and SUV-crossovers, it was distinguished by its "passenger" habits. The successful initiative was continued by the second generation of the "forester", but the newest Forester, created on a platform common with the Impreza, slightly changed traditions, becoming conceptually similar to most of its classmates. The car has "grown", approaching in size to the Mitsubishi Outlander XL, built on the Lancer platform. Although the representative of "diamonds" still remained larger in all respects: 10 cm longer, 2 cm higher and wider. But Subaru boasts a ground clearance that has grown by 25 mm in comparison with its predecessor - 215 mm (Mitsubishi has the same figure), and on the top version 2.0XT it is 225 mm.

Actuators

Like most modern crossovers, the two "Japanese" have fully independent suspension in their arsenal. The only differences are in the design of the rear suspensions. The Outlander has an advanced multi-link system, while the newer Forester, as before, has a double wishbone. Staying true to itself, Subaru continues to use exclusively boxer power units in its cars. This arrangement provides a low center of gravity. Four-cylinder engines with a volume of 2.0 liters (150 hp) in the "atmospheric" version and 2.5 liters (230 hp) in a turbocharged version have been prepared for the Forester. Later, a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter will appear. The engines are equipped with the AVCS (active valve control system) variable valve timing system, which allows for better fuel efficiency and power output. Forester will be equipped with both a conventional 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-range "automatic" with manual shifting Sportshift. Traditionally for Forester, the drive is permanent full drive with equal distribution of torque between the axles.

The Outlander XL has a completely different approach to powertrains. Here you have to choose between a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder and the prestigious 3.0-liter V6. 5-speed "mechanics" is available only in the simplest configuration. For other versions - 6-speed variator INVECS-III with manual Sports Mode.

Mitsubishi flaunts AWC (All Wheel Control), which combines a Multi-Select 4WD transmission with electronically controlled torque distribution, as well as integrated dynamic stability control and traction control. Using the manipulator on the center console, you can manually change the drive modes: 2WD, 4WD or Lock, Forester does not have a choice of mono-drive mode.

Mirror reflection

But the concept of creating interiors is very close. In the salons of both cars, elements of soplatform passenger models are widely used. Forester resembles the Impreza hatchback with a combination of instruments, dashboard shape and even a climate control unit. The Outlander's interior is also broadly Lancer-like in many ways, but the tall dashboard makes it more personal.

What awaits them?

After getting acquainted with the characteristics of the new Subaru Forester, it becomes clear that the confrontation with the second generation Outlander will turn out to be serious. Due to its large size, Mitsubishi is definitely more spacious. His bet on more volume is visible in motors as well. However, the Forester does not give up, adhering to the traditional principle: boost and turbine are better than boost. And the low center of gravity should make the car more stable at high speeds compared to the competition. The question of price remains open. There is no official data on Forester yet. But, most likely, with all the differences between Subaru and Mitsubishi, the price of the base versions will be close. The Outlander 2.4 has a minimum price tag of $ 34,500. Perhaps the Forester will be pulled up to this mark, the current generation of which with a 2.0-liter engine starts at $ 29,000.

Specifications

Subaru forester Mitsubishi Outlander XL common data Body type Doors / Seats Dimensions, L / W / H, mm Base, mm Transmission type of drive

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 that began in 2001 and 1997, respectively. The cars of the new generation have high ground clearance (215 and 220 mm) and an 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 place of operation - the city and light country roads. You should not count on more.

Dimensions and design

The Outlander is longer than the competitor and provides a spacious and comfortable fit for rear passengers thanks to its larger wheelbase (+ 30 mm). Forester looks higher due to the raised roof. Subaru has a slightly higher ground clearance (220 versus 215 mm).

Table 1. Comparison of the main technical characteristics of Japanese crossoversOutlanderandForester

Characteristic	Mitsubishi Outlander	Subaru Forester
Machine dimensions, mm	4695 to 1800 to 1680 (with rails)	4610 (4595) at 1795 at 1735
Wheelbase, mm
Curb weight, kg
Maximum weight of the towed trailer, in t
Luggage compartment volume (standard and maximum), l	591 (477) / 1754 (1640)	489 / 1548 (1541)
Ground clearance, mm
Gas tank volume, l
Fuel consumption per 100 km (combined cycle), in l
Maximum speed of the top version, in km / h

With a larger wheelbase, the Outlander outperforms the competitor in terms of rear passenger space. The main advantage of the Forester is the high roof, which has become a characteristic feature of the car.

The Mitsubishi Outlander looks more modern than its opponent, this is evident in the rear of the car - when finishing the exterior body parts in the Outlander, a large amount of chrome is used. Forester is simpler and more familiar, it has no original solutions in the exterior. Retained the former "courageous" appearance.

Both cars come in high-end trims with adaptive LED headlights, giving the SUV an expensive look.

When choosing a salon, you will have to focus on taste preferences. Medium quality finishing materials. 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 in comparison with Forester, and corresponds to the corporate design concept. Forester's appearance has not changed over several model years and requires new design solutions. Landing is better in Subaru, and in terms of interior design, the cars are close to each other.

Choice of engines and gearboxes

For a Mitsubishi car, a choice of 2 gasoline engines that meet the environmental standard Euro-5 and have the DOHC system are offered. Both engines are capable of working properly on "92" gasoline. 4-cylinder 16-valve power units have a volume of 2 and 2.4 liters. The younger 2.0 engine develops 146 horsepower, while the 2.4-liter engine develops 167 horsepower.

One transmission is supplied for powertrains that are installed in Outlander. This is a CVT variator box, it works smoothly and silently. Like other continuously variable transmissions, it does not like active driving in a "ragged" rhythm with harsh braking.

It's worth talking about a special version of the Outlander called the GT. The main difference from conventional crossovers is the presence of a V6 with a volume of 3 liters. Technical characteristics of the 6-cylinder engine - 291 Nm of torque and 230 horsepower. The motor 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

The situation is the same with another Japanese car. Russians are offered a choice of 3 gasoline engines. The older one has a turbocharging system, therefore, with a 2.5-liter volume, it develops a power of 242 horsepower. The turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection offers good torque. 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 Subaru to the first hundred in 7.5 seconds.

The rest of the engines with a volume of 2 and 2.5 liters give out 150 and 171 hp. accordingly, they have a sequential multiport fuel injection system. The less powerful engine is equipped with a 6-speed "mechanics". For the 171-horsepower unit, only the variator is offered.
Forester engines 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 "variators" and 6-speed "automatic machines" in terms of smoothness and fuel consumption is not so significant. The 6-speed automatic transmission from Mitsubishi will become an advantage 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 a confident and stable ride on light off-road. Works in 3 modes:

1. Eco(high fuel efficiency).

2. Auto(four-wheel drive engages automatically in difficult road conditions).

3. Lock(off-road mode with maximum multi-plate clutch blocking).

Forester has a proprietary Symmetrical AWD system that distributes torque to 4 wheels. It works in a constant mode and improves the car's handling in difficult road conditions. The advantage of Subaru's all-wheel drive is the correct positioning, which contributes to a lower center of gravity and better roadholding.

Both four-wheel drive systems are functional and reliable. They are even designed for certain loads, but their capabilities are limited due to variator gearboxes and imperfect geometric cross-country ability (in the case of Outlander).

Video: Subaru Forester 2016 Test Drive / Subaru Forester 2016 Igor Burtsev

Equipment

Forester is offered in 8 trim levels - from the initial 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 complete sets. Although for this price, the buyer will only get a mono-drive version of the urban 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, STARLINK system, 2 additional side airbags, and most importantly - the presence of an all-wheel drive transmission.

Driving experience

In the town

The Outlander is more comfortable in urban environments. Suspensions and variator are designed for operation on asphalt roads. Mitsubishi is intuitively simple and straightforward to operate, it allows you to start smoothly from a place without jerking or pecking.

The Forester is more dynamic and active compared to the Outlander. A car with a turbo engine contributes to a more agile ride compared to the average SUV. The Subaru's suspension feels a little too stiff in urban conditions. The driver and passengers will feel unevenness and defects of the road surface in the cabin of the "Japanese". The ride comfort is especially bad on bumpy roads. You have to put up with an unpleasant shaking.

In the city, it is more comfortable to drive a Mitsubishi Outlander. The competitor is a little more dynamic, but the stiffness of the suspension will take some getting used to.

Off-road

Table 2. Comparison of geometric 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 larger approach and exit angles compared to Mitsubishi.

An additional limitation for off-road capabilities is the short-travel suspensions. The Outlander succeeds in this, and strives to "hang the wheels" even on medium bumps. Mitsubishi does not have an imitation of interwheel differential locks, but it has a variator that is prone to overheating. An automatic transmission and a high-torque engine of 3 liters correct the situation, but here the geometric cross-country ability of the body becomes the weak link.

Forester is tougher and more unpretentious off-road. Allows you to drive more actively over rough terrain without fear of overheating of the transmission (at moderate loads). The continuously variable variator is rented out much later than the same mechanism from another car. But the main advantage of the Subaru mid-size crossover 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. The sensations will be different. A trip to Outlander will be 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 preferred for urban use. The Mitsubishi Outlander is more comfortable on smooth asphalt roads. Has a stylish and memorable appearance. Subaru is a more versatile vehicle ready for moderate off-road driving. Pleases with dynamics, gambling handling, composure on the road. The main drawback is inappropriate harshness in the city. Not every driver will like this.

The effect is striking: the cars in front of them seemed to be blown off the lane by the wind. However, if you have watched the film "Alexander Nevsky" and remember the "facial expression" of a German knight in a 13th century helmet, you will quickly understand what this is about. Imagine that you saw about the same thing in the rear-view mirror, but only the size of the entire rear window ...

The Teutonic, excuse me, "physiognomy" of the Mitsubishi Outlander fits perfectly with the Russian translation of its name - a stranger. And if under the hood he has a 2-liter gasoline engine so beloved in this sector (well, how can you not remember the CR-V!), Then the "Forester" (that is, Subaru Forester) with a manual transmission will be almost an ideal analogue for comparisons with "Outlander". Not only are the purpose, dimensions, engine volume, basic equipment and its price close, but the drive scheme is the same: both have a permanent all-wheel drive with a symmetrical center differential blocked by a viscous coupling. Unlike most competitors, which have some kind of magic device that connects the rear wheels when the front wheels slip.

We got both cars with rather rich equipment. Outlander - in the Sport package for $ 29,790, which implies, in addition to the two front ones, two more side airbags, climate control, roof rails, some additional small decor inside and out, as well as alloy 16-inch wheels with 215/65 R 16 tires. Subaru Forester - about the same, but plus a radio tape recorder, cruise control and a huge sunroof, and the wheels are not 16, but 15-inch. But also cast, with tires 205/70 R 15. If he had additional headlights in the bumper, it would have turned out to be the "maximum" VR grade worth $ 31,490.

And now - an important point. When we arrived to pick up the Outlander, we found very beautiful 17-inch Duemila wheels with Pirelli P6000 225/50 ZR 17 road tires that were not provided for by the specification, but it must be admitted that later these wheels had a certain influence on our estimates.

Inner thoughts
Hardly anyone doubts that outwardly the Forester is not as expressive as the Outlander. On the other hand, not everyone recognizes the expressiveness of the "Outlander" adequate to his image. However, if you consider the main function of the appearance of the car to be the establishment of the status quo among the neighbors in the stream, then purchasing the Outlander you will definitely not go wrong.

It is more difficult with the inside - you exist in it, but here you have something to think about. Do you like the trendy minimalism of Outlander, or do you prefer the classic style of the Forester? Do you think of a solid black wood-like overlay on the hard plastic of the Mitsubishi panel, or do the soft overlay and titanium-like Subaru console look more expensive? There are also quite objective things. For example, keep in mind that the Forester allows a long-legged driver to sit more comfortably, while the Outlander provides more legroom for those in the back. And also a few more "salon" and "luggage" observations, which you will find in the captions to the corresponding illustrations.
Outlander greeted the Moscow ring road with violent reactions to the rounded ruts made by studded tires in the asphalt of the extreme left lane. However, this is a normal behavior of a car, shod in wide low-profile "rubber", and we did not draw any special conclusions from this. Unless I just urgently wanted to write an article on the advisability of using thorns in the city.

It looks like a new era for the Mitsubishi engine builders. You will not find any traditional "pickup" in the region of 3500-4000 rpm - the characteristic is "ironed out" surprisingly. The engine confidently "pulls" already from low revs, followed by absolutely uniform acceleration in the entire range, right up to the very "tops". And the fact that the engine of the "Outlander" retains the ability to accelerate its massive body even after 6000 rpm helps a lot when overtaking.

Strict clarity of movements of the gear lever contributes to intensive acceleration, but you shouldn't drive too much: the lever will start to "rest". With the help of methods ancient, like the automotive world, it is easy to make sure that this sluggishness is on the conscience of the synchronizers, which means that it is clearly not necessary to force the switching speed. To avoid…

Subaru Forester is much more willing to "accept" acceleration on medium - so much so that acceleration is felt by the whole body. But it is inferior at the highest (after 5500 rpm) and clearly loses at the smallest: your desire to "crawl at idle" (for example, in a traffic jam) drives him into a seizure tremor, which can only be calmed by adding revs or using the clutch pedal. However, you can use a downshift.

After Mitsubishi, the gear lever appears vaguely dangling here, but don't jump to conclusions from that mere first impression. For in terms of its ability to shift quickly, this box is quite worthy of the well-known three-letter combinations most often used in conjunction with the Subaru brand (meaning WRC, WRX, STI. - Ed.).

At the highest speeds, it is noticeable that the "Outlander" motor is more powerful - above 160 km / h "Forester" is gaining less zeal. However, this is not the most practical observation - it is often not necessary to slow down on multi-lane highways, and normal people do not drive so fast on other roads.

But the essence of the car is in the wheel
Although on these cars - they could, and without much stress. We must pay tribute: the driving stability of both is excellent, regardless of the quality of the roadway. Unless, of course, we do not count the described reactions of wide-profile tires to the aforementioned tracks and other screw tricks of our road profile. However, after 120 km / h you stop noticing them. And all sorts of irregularities and Outlander, and Forester "swallow" completely indifferently - and not only at high speeds. And the turns "write" - like a compass on paper.

Technology does not stand still, providing people with a convenient and comfortable life. Today there are many means of transportation. Next, we will consider two popular crossovers of Japanese origin. How are they similar, what are their differences and which car is better to choose? Subaru Forester VS Mitsubishi Outlander!

Subaru Forester entered the market in 1997 and won the honorary title the founder of crossovers... Taking the Impreza model as a basis, 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 species in the United States of America: over the past five 5 years it has been sold there more than half a million cars... During the period of its existence, 5 generations have been created. The Subaru Forester remains virtually unchanged from year to year. The design and internal technology are being improved, but no new features are being introduced. In this regard, manufacturers are very conservative.

As noted earlier, Forester is practical car... The spaciousness of the salon will satisfy even the owners of a large family that lives not only within the city, but also behind 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 handling 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 effect directly on the center of gravity, lowering it.

Compared to the first generation, subsequent models began to have a less aggressive appearance due to the smooth lines of the body.

If we focus on the latest generation of the Subaru Forester crossover, then external changes may not be seen: a new design of headlights, bumpers and other parts. But technically, changes were made: now this car is based on the SGP (Subaru Global Platform) platform, which was created by the company for all new models.

Despite the fact that the dimensions of the vehicle remained the same as in the fourth generation, due to the increase in the wheelbase, the space for the rear passengers has increased. The ground clearance is also 220 km. Manufacturers have paid a lot of attention to the engine, working on its economy 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 - pleasure and ease of driving. The first generation of this model was based on the Mitsubishi ASX. The renaming of the model served to change the previous platform to GS.

Now the model had several power units, not only from Mitsubishi, but also from Volkswagen and Citroen. Now the main goal that came from the new name was to provide the client with the amenities for a long journey into unknown lands. Which means in translation from English - a stranger. So, the second generation Mitsubishi Outlander 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 began. However, this did not bother buyers, and the model was actively in demand. The third generation Mitsubishi Outlander appeared on the market in 2016. The rear part of the body, LED headlights, wheels, steering wheel design, as well as interior decorative elements have been modified.

All major Outlander modifications are equipped with an all-wheel drive system, except for two versions with front-wheel drive in the Inform and Invite configurations with an engine in 2 liters... In the course of 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 noise insulation equipment is installed throughout the vehicle. With a three-liter engine of the Sport version, the crossover is equipped with an all-wheel drive system S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), which, thanks to good traction, allows the driver to keep the car on the chosen trajectory.

Similarities

For comparison of cars, the latest generations are taken:

• The Subaru Forester and Mitsubishi Outlander are crossovers from the same price point.
• They have permanent four-wheel drive.
• They accelerate to 200 km per hour, having the same acceleration dynamics.
• Fuel type - gasoline.
• The gearbox is a variator.
• They have approximately the same dimensions with a capacity of 5 people, the number of doors (5).

Differences

1. The Subaru Forester has a fuel tank of 48 liters, while the Mitsubishi Outlander has 60 liters.
2. Forester weighs 1640 kg, while Outlander weighs 1490 kg.
3. They have a different layout: Mitsubishi Outlander - transverse power unit, Subaru Forester - longitudinal power unit.
4. Forester has a boxer engine, Outlander is in-line.
5. 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.

Which is better?

Compared models of Japanese crossovers have both similar and different features. The choice of vehicle will depend on the driver's preference for roads and driving. If the choice fell on off-road and natural exits, then Forester should be given preference for its downshift.

Outlander, on the other hand, combines easy handling and smooth running, which will be a pleasant bonus when driving on city roads in any weather conditions. Forester also has opposed powertrains, 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 asphalt very well with precise trajectory. 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.