GAC Aion V vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the GAC Aion V at 5 stars (2025) and the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the GAC Aion V and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GAC Aion V, against 7 on 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.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

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 and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GAC Aion V stands out with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and V2L — features our data doesn't list for 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.

Interior trim differs: the GAC Aion V gets pvc upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.

Drivetrain

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 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The GAC Aion V has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

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 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 69L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.2 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the GAC Aion V costs about $816 a year (17 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Forester about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 8 years / Unlimited (GAC Aion V) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (GAC Aion V), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The GAC Aion V: the lower starting price ($42,590 against $45,990), more power (150kW against 136kW) and the longer warranty (8 years against 5).

The Subaru Forester: the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 427L).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 75

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the GAC Aion V's 75 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 20 points), value (GAC Aion V ahead by 9 points). Boot space with the seats up: 427L in the GAC Aion V, 496L in the Subaru Forester. Warranty: 8 years on the GAC Aion V, 5 on the Subaru Forester.

Common questions