Subaru Forester vs GWM Haval H6
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 GWM Haval H6 opens at $35,990. That makes the GWM Haval H6 the more affordable entry point by $7,500.
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 $39,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the GWM Haval H6 by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and GWM Haval H6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 90% for the GWM Haval H6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The GWM Haval H6 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 GWM Haval H6.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the GWM Haval H6 gets a 14.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Haval H6 counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate that the Subaru Forester does not offer. 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 GWM Haval H6 responds with a Petrol making 170kW and 380Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Haval H6 has the clear power advantage at 170kW vs 136kW. In the real-world sprint, the GWM Haval H6 is 2.7s 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, 48mm shorter than the GWM Haval H6 at 4,703mm (2,738mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval H6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 471L in the GWM Haval H6, giving the Subaru Forester a 49L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H6 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 12.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 $1,682/year for the GWM Haval H6. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the GWM Haval H6.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $1,682 (GWM Haval H6). The GWM Haval H6 saves you roughly $627 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 (GWM Haval H6). The GWM Haval H6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H6 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H6 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The GWM Haval H6 will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The GWM Haval H6 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 GWM Haval H6?
The GWM Haval H6 is the cheapest at $35,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $7,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The GWM Haval H6 uses the least fuel at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and GWM Haval H6 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 GWM Haval H6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Haval H6 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Haval H6 makes the most power at 170kW. The GWM Haval H6 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
