Hyundai Kona Electric vs Subaru Forester
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $2,990.
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 $44,550 and $47,839 respectively.
The Hyundai Kona Electric 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.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Kona Electric packs more ADAS features with 5 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 Hyundai Kona Electric and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless charging and heated front seats that you will not find on the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 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 Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Kona Electric is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 305mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 159L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Kona Electric and Subaru Forester?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $2,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric and Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Hyundai Kona Electric is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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