Subaru Forester vs KGM Actyon

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.

Both the Subaru Forester and KGM Actyon hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The KGM Actyon 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 8 in the KGM Actyon.

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the KGM Actyon 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 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.

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 KGM Actyon responds with a Turbo GDi making 120kW and 280Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 12.5 seconds.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Forester is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

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 520L in the Subaru Forester and 668L in the KGM Actyon, giving the KGM Actyon a 148L advantage.

For towing, the KGM Actyon leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,166/year for the KGM Actyon. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the KGM Actyon.

Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,166 (KGM Actyon). The KGM Actyon saves you roughly $143 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.