GMC Yukon vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the GMC Yukon. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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.

Feature Showdown

The GMC Yukon features a 16.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 11-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 GMC Yukon stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bose audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the GMC Yukon gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth. Climate control is 3-zone in the GMC Yukon and 2-zone in the Subaru Forester.

Drivetrain

The GMC Yukon uses a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management producing 313kW and 624Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a 4WD layout.

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

The GMC Yukon has the clear power advantage at 313kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The GMC Yukon measures 5,337mm long on a 3,071mm wheelbase, 682mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GMC Yukon generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the GMC Yukon leads with a 3,628kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,828kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 1.6 m tighter, 10.8 m against 12.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the GMC Yukon costs about $3,648 a year (12.8 L/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. That is $1,396 a year less for the Subaru Forester.

Warranty: 3 years / 100k km (GMC Yukon) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (GMC Yukon), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The GMC Yukon: more power (313kW against 136kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,628kg against 1,800kg).

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $174,990), the longer warranty (5 years against 3) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,252 a year against $3,648).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 50

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the GMC Yukon's 50 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Subaru Forester ahead by 52 points), fuel economy (Subaru Forester ahead by 45 points), safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 31 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Forester costs about $1,396 less (7.9 L/100km against 12.8 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Warranty: 3 years on the GMC Yukon, 5 on the Subaru Forester.

Common questions