Subaru Forester vs Suzuki e Vitara

The Subaru Forester starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki e Vitara opens at $42,700 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only). Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

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 $46,970 respectively.

The Suzuki e Vitara currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Forester does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.

The Subaru Forester holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Suzuki e Vitara. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 77% for the Suzuki e Vitara.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Forester stands out with wireless charging and heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Suzuki e Vitara. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Subaru Forester uses a Petrol producing 136kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout.

The Suzuki e Vitara responds with a Electric Motor making 106kW and 193Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 106kW. 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, 380mm longer than the Suzuki e Vitara at 4,275mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Suzuki e Vitara generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara, giving the Subaru Forester a 190L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Suzuki e Vitara). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Subaru Forester)—.