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MITSU IS OUT TO STAKE A CLAIM WITH ITS ALL-NEW OUTLANDER, BUT KIA’S FRESH SPORTAGE AND THE UPDATED SUBARU FORESTER ARE DEEPLY ENSCONCED ON THE MID-SIZE SUV RESERVATION

- SCOTT NEWMAN

IF YOU’RE BUYING a new car in Australia and don’t want a dual-cab ute, chances are you’re after a mid-size SUV. It’s the second-biggest-selling segment locally with 17 percent of the market as of November 2021 and as a consequence, it’s raining new models. Two of the highest-profile appearances have been the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Kia Sportage but we not only need to compare them to each other, but also an established benchmark.

That benchmark is the Toyota RAV4, both because it’s a very polished performer in its latest incarnation and also the dominant sales force. However, that popularity is both a blessing and a curse, with COVID-related supply and production issues stretching waitlists out to six months. If you’re after an all-wheel-drive hybrid, as we would be here, that wait could stretch out to 10 months.

Given the RAV4’s supply situation and the fact it’s largely a known quantity, instead we turn to another Aussie favourite, the Subaru Forester, which itself has recently had a mid-life refresh for the 2022 model year. It’s not just a nip and a tuck, either. Yes, there are revisions to the headlights, fog lights, front bumper and grille. But further to that, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Centring and Autonomous Emergency Steering have been added to the Subaru’s EyeSight active safety suite, while the suspension features retuned springs and dampers.