Subaru Forester vs KGM Actyon
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 $43,490 before on-road costs, while the KGM Actyon opens at $44,500. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $1,010.
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 $48,950 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 KGM Actyon gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. 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 KGM Actyon. The KGM Actyon counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Subaru Forester gets cloth upholstery while the KGM Actyon offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.
The KGM Actyon responds with a Turbo GDi making 120kW and 280Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 120kW. 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, 85mm shorter than the KGM Actyon at 4,740mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the KGM Actyon generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 668L in the KGM Actyon, giving the KGM Actyon a 172L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,166/year for the KGM Actyon. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the KGM Actyon.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,166 (KGM Actyon). The KGM Actyon saves you roughly $86 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 (KGM Actyon). The KGM Actyon has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the KGM Actyon if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Forester and KGM Actyon trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The KGM Actyon will save you roughly $86 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the KGM Actyon has a clear edge. The KGM Actyon 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 KGM Actyon?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the KGM Actyon by $1,010.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The KGM Actyon uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The KGM Actyon has the largest boot at 668L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The KGM Actyon has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW.
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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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