Geely EX5 vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Geely EX5 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 86% for the Geely EX5 and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Geely EX5, 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 Geely EX5 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 Geely EX5 features a 15.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-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 Geely EX5 stands out with V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Geely EX5 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 160kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through its transmission to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.

The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Geely EX5 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Geely EX5 measures 4,615mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 40mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely EX5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 302L in the Geely EX5 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 194L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); both turn in a 10.8 m circle, 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 Geely EX5 costs about $768 a year (16 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: 7 years / Unlimited (Geely EX5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (Geely EX5), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The Geely EX5: the lower starting price ($41,990 against $45,990), more power (160kW against 136kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Subaru Forester: the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 302L).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 72

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the Geely EX5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 18 points), reliability (Subaru Forester ahead by 14 points). Boot space with the seats up: 302L in the Geely EX5, 496L in the Subaru Forester. Warranty: 7 years on the Geely EX5, 5 on the Subaru Forester.

Common questions