KGM Actyon vs Subaru Forester

The KGM Actyon starts from $44,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $1,010.

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 $48,950 and $47,839 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the KGM Actyon and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The KGM Actyon packs more ADAS features with 6 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 8 in the KGM Actyon and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

The KGM Actyon 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 KGM Actyon stands out with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and ambient lighting 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 KGM Actyon uses a Turbo GDi producing 120kW and 280Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.5 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 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Forester is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The KGM Actyon measures 4,740mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Actyon generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 668L in the KGM Actyon and 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the KGM Actyon a 148L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the KGM Actyon and $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the KGM Actyon.

Estimated annual total: $2,166 (KGM Actyon) vs $2,309 (Subaru Forester). The KGM Actyon saves you roughly $143 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Actyon) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The KGM Actyon has longer coverage.