Skoda Karoq 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 9 Nov 2026, price 29 Oct 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.
$44,490RRP
- cannot be matched: 360-Degree Camera 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Skoda Karoq starts from $44,490 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $45,990. That makes the Skoda Karoq 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. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $46,990 for the Skoda Karoq and $45,990 for the Subaru Forester.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Karoq by roughly $1,855 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP's published record does not give the Skoda Karoq a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.
Recalls on our record
Skoda Karoq
- REC-001199 · published 8 Jul 2019In some instances, the front driver air bag may not inflate to its fullest capacity fast enough when required.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2018
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 Skoda Karoq features a 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 Skoda Karoq stands out with power tailgate, Canton audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Skoda Karoq uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 8 speed 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 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Skoda Karoq measures 4,390mm long on a 2,638mm wheelbase, 265mm 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 521L in the Skoda Karoq and 496L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Skoda Karoq a 25L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1630L vs 1174L.
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.
10.2m to 10.8m
Based on 10.2m 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 $1,881/year for the Skoda Karoq and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $371 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The Skoda Karoq has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Subaru Forester).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Skoda Karoq if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Subaru Forester: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 71, but the Skoda Karoq is $1,500 cheaper
The Subaru Forester comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 71), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: safety (Subaru Forester ahead by 29), technology (Subaru Forester ahead by 14), fuel economy (Skoda Karoq ahead by 11). The Skoda Karoq will save you roughly $371 a year in fuel. The Skoda Karoq adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Skoda Karoq and Subaru Forester?
The Skoda Karoq is the cheapest at $44,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $1,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Karoq uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Subaru Forester holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2024). ANCAP's published record does not give a rating to Skoda Karoq, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Karoq has the largest boot at 521L with the seats up (1,630L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Skoda Karoq has the longest warranty at 7 years / unlimited km.
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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