MG MGS5 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 MG MGS5 starts from $44,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $1,500.
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 $49,489 and $47,839 respectively.
The MG MGS5 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 MG MGS5 and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the MG MGS5 and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
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 Apple CarPlay 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.
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 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 125kW. In the real-world sprint, the MG MGS5 is 3.0s quicker. 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 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 67L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
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: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MGS5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The MG MGS5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MGS5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The MG MGS5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MGS5 and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG MGS5 by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG MGS5 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 has the best warranty?
The MG MGS5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The MG MGS5 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
