Recently, Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Mitsubishi introduced their latest SUV/crossover offerings in the local market – one is a brand-new model, and the other is sporting a new powertrain. So, which one will be preferable for a family outing into the great outdoors? Outlander or Outback?
Initially introduced in 2001 based on the Mitsubishi ASX concept vehicle, the Outlander has grown substantially over four generations to become the flagship model for the Japanese brand, with convenient seating for seven people. Conversely, the Outback from Subaru – which inspired the original Outlander after it was launched three decades ago – also gained some fat but still managed to keep its dimensions in check.
Now in its sixth generation, the Subaru flagship is still easily recognisable as the successor to the original wagon, but this does not apply to the Outlander. With many design influences, first from the now defunct PSA Group and now from the Nissan Alliance, and platform changes, the Outlander looks very different from its original forebear.
In the process, the Mitsubishi has moved from a compact-sized SUV to a medium-sized one. Although it may look substantially larger than the Subaru (primarily due to its high roofline compared to the Subaru), it is, in fact, very similar in size – with a shorter length (150 mm) and shorter wheelbase (by 10 mm). Even so, it can seat seven, while the Outback is strictly a five-seater.
The latest Outlander, based on the Nissan CMF-CD platform, has been reimagined and reinvented in every way and features a bold exterior design characterised by thick, horizontal proportions, which, along with jet tail fin pillars (inspired by the vertical tail of aeroplanes) gives it a fixating presence.
The front styling creates a substantial presence, accentuated by LED front fog lamps, LED sequential turn signals, daytime running lights, and a front skid plate. This theme is continued at the rear thanks to a similar skid plate, rear spoiler and LED high-mounted brake light, and further enhanced by 20” alloy wheels and silver roof rails on our top-of-the-range Exceed model.
Much like the Outlander Exceed model, the XT model in the sixth-generation Outback range was only released two years after the initial introduction of the 2.5i Field and Touring ES models, but aesthetically, the Outback XT is only differentiated from its lesser siblings by new 18” alloy wheels.
INTERIOR APPOINTMENTS
Seen from the outside, the more edgy lines of the Outlander certainly give it a more modern and bolder visage than the more subduedly styled Subaru, but inside, it is a much closer contest in terms of ergonomic layout, premium materials and high-quality trim. Yes, the cabin of the Outlander feels roomier, thanks to its higher roofline, but in terms of usable space, there’s actually not much difference.
Both utilise the latest in technology with big digital displays for the infotainment system (both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility) and high level of standard specification, including power-adjustable leather seats, keyless operation system with engine switch, front and rear park distance control, a rear-view camera, and a panoramic sunroof.
Even so, the Nissan roots of the Outlander’s interior cannot be hidden completely, and it has a somewhat impersonal and clinical ambience. In contrast, the more cosseting interior of the Outback was more welcoming. Its 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system (compared to a 10-speaker Bose system in the Outlander) also made a difference. However, the real clincher was the highly advanced EyeSight driver-assistance system in the Scooby.
UNDER THE BONNET
The new Outlander is equipped with the latest 2.5-litre dual VVT direct injection engine from the Nissan Alliance, producing 135 kW at 6,000 rpm and 245 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm, coupled to a simulated eight-speed CVT transmission.
These figures compare well with the output of the naturally aspirated 2,5-litre, four-cylinder boxer engine in the Outback 2.5i ES models (138 kW and 245 Nm) but less so with the 183 kW and 350 Nm of torque available from the 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine (the same engine as used in the WRX model but slightly detuned) in the XT model.
In both the Outback and the Outlander, the engines are paired with a CVT – in the case of the Subaru, a lightweight Lineartronic system driving all four wheels via a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and in the Outlander through a Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system – with a variety of driving modes to ensure traction on all types of road surfaces.
However, how the two drivetrains respond reveals the most significant difference between the two models. In the Outback, the newfound turbo power of the engine and the responsiveness of its CVT transforms the vehicle, while the quite heavy Outlander, in comparison, feels sluggish – taking its time to build up speed.
Yes, the big power difference does play a role, but even the Outback 2.5i ES models felt perkier and more alert than the flagship Outlander. Perhaps the PHEV version of the Outlander (the derivative that collected a string of accolades overseas) is better, but the petrol-powered model is let down by its powertrain.
Besides this, the ride quality of the Outback was also better than that of the Outlander over most surfaces, and it also felt more secure and firmly planted in the corners, mostly due to its lower centre of gravity and longer wheelbase.
LAST WORD
So, which one is preferable for that family outing into the great outdoors? Well, if measured only on driveability on and off the road without considering anything else, the Subaru is easily the winner.
However, with a price difference of nearly R180,000 (R999,000 for the Outback and R819,995 for the Outlander), the choice is not so clear, more so if dealer footprint, aftersales service and parts availability are considered. Even so, we would most likely settle for the 2.5i ES version of the Outback, as the Mitsubishi may have the looks and amenities but is let down by a somewhat disappointing drivetrain.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © RYAN ABBOTT
