Subaru Forester vs Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid
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.
Subaru Forester
From $43,490
SUV
Petrol
136kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid
From $34,990
SUV
Petrol I4 Turbo + PHEV
105kW
1.4 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
475L
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid opens at $34,990. That makes the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid the more affordable entry point by $8,500.
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 $38,489 respectively.
The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Forester, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid by roughly $11,210 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 82% for the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid 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 9 in the Subaru Forester and 6 in the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Super Hybrid responds with a Petrol I4 Turbo + PHEV making 105kW and 215Nm, paired to a 1-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (dht) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid 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, 120mm longer than the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid at 4,535mm (2,653mm 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 Super Hybrid, giving the Subaru Forester a 45L advantage.
0Turning 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 $67/year for the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid. That is a $2,242 annual difference in favour of the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $67 (Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid). The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid saves you roughly $2,242 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 (Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid). The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid 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 Super Hybrid 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 Super Hybrid takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid will save you roughly $2,242 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid 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 Super Hybrid?
The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $8,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid uses the least fuel at 1.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid 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 Super Hybrid has the longest warranty at 7 years.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid 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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