Nissan Qashqai 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Nissan Qashqai starts from $47,165 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $1,175.
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 $51,882 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan Qashqai by roughly $4,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Subaru Forester holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Nissan Qashqai. Adult occupant protection scored 78% for the Nissan Qashqai and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan Qashqai, against 4 on 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 Nissan Qashqai and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan Qashqai features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Nissan Qashqai stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof 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.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan Qashqai gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Qashqai uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 330Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 247Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.
The Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 136kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan Qashqai measures 4,425mm long on a 2,665mm wheelbase, 230mm 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 404L in the Nissan Qashqai and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 92L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1328L vs 1174L.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,368/year for the Nissan Qashqai and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $884 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $1,368 (Nissan Qashqai) vs $2,252 (Subaru Forester). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $884 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $884 a year in fuel. 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, Nissan Qashqai and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Qashqai by $1,175.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Qashqai uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Subaru Forester has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 496L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Qashqai makes the most power at 140kW.
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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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