Renault Duster 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.
Data checked: specs 29 Oct 2026, price 4 Nov 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$31,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Blind Spot Monitor, Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start not offered
$45,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Renault Duster & Subaru Forester
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Price Breakdown
The Renault Duster starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Renault Duster the more affordable entry point by $14,000.
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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $34,990 for the Renault Duster and $45,990 for the Subaru Forester.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Duster by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Subaru Forester has the higher ANCAP rating: 5 stars (2024) against 3 stars (2024), both tested 2024. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Renault Duster 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 Subaru Forester, against 3 on the Renault Duster.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Renault Duster and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Recalls on our record
Renault Duster
None open on our record
Subaru Forester
- REC-005831 · published 20 Nov 2023The front drive shaft may not meet manufacturing specifications and the outer race of the front driveshaft may crack.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-001604 · published 2 Jun 2021The rear stabiliser bracket bolts may not have been sufficiently tightened during production.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2020
- REC-001224 · published 3 Dec 2019Over time the aluminium positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may fracture, allowing the engine to draw an increased amount of engine oil.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- 8 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Renault Duster features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-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 Subaru Forester counters with heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Renault Duster uses a Petrol producing 113kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 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 113kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Renault Duster measures 4,345mm long on a 2,657mm wheelbase, 310mm 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 472L in the Renault Duster and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 24L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg 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 10.9m
Based on 10.9m 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 $1,853/year for the Renault Duster and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Renault Duster.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Renault Duster) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Subaru Forester).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Renault Duster if: You want the lower entry price, 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
Subaru Forester: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 70, but the Renault Duster is $14,000 cheaper
The Subaru Forester comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 70), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 30), fuel economy (Renault Duster ahead by 12), reliability (Subaru Forester ahead by 10). The Renault Duster will save you roughly $399 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 Duster and Subaru Forester?
The Renault Duster is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $14,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Duster uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Subaru Forester has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars (2024).
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 496L with the seats up (1,174L with the seats folded).
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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