Renault Arkana 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 Renault Arkana starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $50,589 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Arkana by roughly $2,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Arkana features a 9.3-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 Renault Arkana stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting 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 Renault Arkana gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Subaru Forester offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Renault Arkana and 2-zone in the Subaru Forester.
Drivetrain
The Renault Arkana uses a Petrol producing 116kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 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 116kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Arkana measures 4,568mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 87mm shorter than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Arkana generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 485L in the Renault Arkana and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 11L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 600kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,682/year for the Renault Arkana and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.
Estimated annual total: $1,682 (Renault Arkana) vs $2,252 (Subaru Forester). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $570 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Arkana) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Renault'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 4 key spec categories. The Renault Arkana will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Renault Arkana and Subaru Forester?
The Renault Arkana is the cheapest at $45,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Arkana uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 496L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW.
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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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