Subaru Forester vs Suzuki S-Cross
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.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki S-Cross opens at $43,490. 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 $47,839 and $47,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Suzuki S-Cross by roughly $3,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Suzuki S-Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Suzuki S-Cross 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 6 in the Suzuki S-Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Suzuki S-Cross gets a 9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki S-Cross counters with wireless charging and power tailgate that the Subaru Forester does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 Suzuki S-Cross responds with a Petrol making 95kW and 220Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 95kW. In the real-world sprint, the Suzuki S-Cross is 0.7s quicker. 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, 355mm longer than the Suzuki S-Cross at 4,300mm (2,600mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 430L in the Suzuki S-Cross, giving the Subaru Forester a 90L advantage.
For towing, the Suzuki S-Cross leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m 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 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $1,539/year for the Suzuki S-Cross. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki S-Cross.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $1,539 (Suzuki S-Cross). The Suzuki S-Cross saves you roughly $770 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 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki S-Cross). The Subaru Forester has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki S-Cross if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Forester takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Suzuki S-Cross will save you roughly $770 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Subaru Forester adds peace of mind with a longer 5-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 Suzuki S-Cross?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki S-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Suzuki S-Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Forester has the largest boot at 520L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Subaru Forester has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Suzuki S-Cross is quickest to 100km/h in 10.5s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
