MG MGS5 vs Subaru Forester

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the MG MGS5 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 90% for the MG MGS5 and 83% for the Subaru Forester, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, against 6 on the MG MGS5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

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 MG MGS5 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 MG MGS5 stands out with panoramic roof and power tailgate — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The MG MGS5 uses a Electric Motor producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.

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

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 125kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The MG MGS5 measures 4,476mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 179mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG MGS5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 453L in the MG MGS5 and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 43L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

The Subaru Forester turns in a 10.8 m circle, kerb to kerb; the MG MGS5's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the MG MGS5 costs about $811 a year (16.9 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: 10 years / 250k km (MG MGS5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester). Capped-price servicing: no data (MG MGS5), 5 years (Subaru Forester).

Where each one leads

The MG MGS5: the longer warranty (10 years against 5).

The Subaru Forester: more power (136kW against 125kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 453L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 750kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Forester scores higher, 76 vs 72

The Subaru Forester scores 76 to the MG MGS5's 72 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 13 points), safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 10 points). Boot space with the seats up: 453L in the MG MGS5, 496L in the Subaru Forester. Warranty: 10 years on the MG MGS5, 5 on the Subaru Forester.

Common questions