GAC Aion V vs Subaru Forester

The GAC Aion V starts from $42,590 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the GAC Aion V the more affordable entry point by $900.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $46,849 and $47,839 respectively.

The GAC Aion V qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Forester, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the GAC Aion V and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the GAC Aion V and 83% for the Subaru Forester.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GAC Aion V packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru Forester.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the GAC Aion V and 9 in the Subaru Forester. The GAC Aion V adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Forester misses.

The GAC Aion V features a 14.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 8.9-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GAC Aion V stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The GAC Aion V uses a Electric producing 150kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 226Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.

The GAC Aion V has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 136kW. In the real-world sprint, the GAC Aion V is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The GAC Aion V measures 4,605mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GAC Aion V generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 427L in the GAC Aion V and 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 93L advantage.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 8 years / 150,000km (GAC Aion V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The GAC Aion V has longer coverage.