Subaru Forester vs Toyota GR86
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Toyota GR86 opens at $43,240. That makes the Toyota GR86 the more affordable entry point by $250.
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 $47,564 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Subaru Forester by roughly $2,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and Toyota GR86 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota GR86 packs more ADAS features with 5 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 7 in the Toyota GR86.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota GR86 gets a 8-inch display and 7-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 Toyota GR86. The Toyota GR86 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Toyota GR86 responds with a Petrol making 174kW and 250Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds.
The Toyota GR86 has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 136kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota GR86 is 4.9s 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, 390mm longer than the Toyota GR86 at 4,265mm (2,575mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 150L in the Toyota GR86, giving the Subaru Forester a 346L advantage. The Subaru Forester seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,252/year for the Subaru Forester and $2,679/year for the Toyota GR86. That is a $427 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Forester.
Estimated annual total: $2,252 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,679 (Toyota GR86). The Subaru Forester saves you roughly $427 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 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota GR86). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota GR86 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Forester and Toyota GR86 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Subaru Forester will save you roughly $427 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. 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 Toyota GR86?
The Toyota GR86 is the cheapest at $43,240 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and Toyota GR86 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 496L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota GR86 makes the most power at 174kW. The Toyota GR86 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.3s.
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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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