Subaru Forester vs Suzuki e Vitara

The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki e Vitara opens at $42,700. That makes the Suzuki e Vitara the more affordable entry point by $790.

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 $46,970 respectively.

The Suzuki e Vitara qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Forester, as a petrol model, does not 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. The Subaru Forester packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Suzuki e Vitara.

Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.

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 Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Suzuki e Vitara. The Suzuki e Vitara counters with Apple CarPlay. 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. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2 seconds.

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. In the real-world sprint, the Suzuki e Vitara is 2.2s 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, 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.