Subaru Forester vs Chery Tiggo 7
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Chery Tiggo 7 opens at $29,990. That makes the Chery Tiggo 7 the more affordable entry point by $13,500.
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 $47,839 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery Tiggo 7 by roughly $1,710 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Chery Tiggo 7 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 82% for the Chery Tiggo 7.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery Tiggo 7 packs more ADAS features with 5 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 9 in the Subaru Forester and 7 in the Chery Tiggo 7.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Chery Tiggo 7 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Chery Tiggo 7. The Chery Tiggo 7 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 226Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The Chery Tiggo 7 responds with a Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a 6-speed dct driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 108kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery Tiggo 7 is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Forester measures 4,655mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 115mm longer than the Chery Tiggo 7 at 4,540mm (2,661mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 475L in the Chery Tiggo 7, giving the Subaru Forester a 45L advantage.
For towing, the Chery Tiggo 7 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg 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 11.2m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $1,967/year for the Chery Tiggo 7. That is a $342 annual difference in favour of the Chery Tiggo 7.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $1,967 (Chery Tiggo 7). The Chery Tiggo 7 saves you roughly $342 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Chery Tiggo 7). The Chery Tiggo 7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery Tiggo 7 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery Tiggo 7 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Chery Tiggo 7 will save you roughly $342 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Chery Tiggo 7 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, Subaru Forester and Chery Tiggo 7?
The Chery Tiggo 7 is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $13,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery Tiggo 7 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Chery Tiggo 7 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 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery Tiggo 7 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Chery Tiggo 7 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
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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