Skoda Karoq vs Subaru Forester

The Skoda Karoq starts from $40,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Skoda Karoq the more affordable entry point by $2,500.

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 $45,089 and $47,839 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Karoq by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.

Both the Skoda Karoq and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Skoda Karoq and 83% for the Subaru Forester.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Karoq packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Subaru Forester.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Skoda Karoq and 9 in the Subaru Forester.

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 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.

The Skoda Karoq uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 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 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Karoq is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Skoda Karoq measures 4,382mm long on a 2,638mm wheelbase, 273mm 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 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Skoda Karoq a 1L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Skoda Karoq and $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Karoq.

Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Skoda Karoq) vs $2,252 (Subaru Forester). The Skoda Karoq saves you roughly $485 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Karoq) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The Skoda Karoq has longer coverage.