Subaru Forester vs GWM Haval H6GT
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the GWM Haval H6GT opens at $44,990. That makes the GWM Haval H6GT the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $50,589 and $49,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the GWM Haval H6GT gets a 12.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The GWM Haval H6GT counters with head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Forester gets cloth upholstery while the GWM Haval H6GT offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.
The GWM Haval H6GT responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The GWM Haval H6GT has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 136kW. 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, 72mm shorter than the GWM Haval H6GT at 4,727mm (2,738mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval H6GT generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 392L in the GWM Haval H6GT, giving the Subaru Forester a 104L advantage.
For towing, the GWM Haval H6GT leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 200kg 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
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 $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,394/year for the GWM Haval H6GT. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Forester.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval H6GT). The GWM Haval H6GT has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the GWM Haval H6GT if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer GWM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The GWM Haval H6GT takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru Forester will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The GWM Haval H6GT 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 H6GT?
The GWM Haval H6GT is the cheapest at $44,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Subaru Forester holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for GWM Haval H6GT, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 496L.
Which can tow the most?
The GWM Haval H6GT has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The GWM Haval H6GT has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The GWM Haval H6GT makes the most power at 150kW.
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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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