Subaru Forester vs Toyota LandCruiser 300

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Subaru Forester at 5 stars (2024) and the Toyota LandCruiser 300 at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2024 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 89% for the Toyota LandCruiser 300, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, against 6 on the Toyota LandCruiser 300.

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 10 in the Toyota LandCruiser 300.

Recalls on our record

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

Feature Showdown

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota LandCruiser 300 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 charging and heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota LandCruiser 300. 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.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 responds with a Diesel Twin-Turbo V6 making 227kW and 700Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 has the clear power advantage at 227kW vs 136kW. 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, 325mm shorter than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 at 4,980mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 700L in the Toyota LandCruiser 300, giving the Toyota LandCruiser 300 a 204L advantage.

For towing, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Forester's turning circle is 1.0 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Forester costs about $2,252 a year (7.9 L/100km) and fuel for the Toyota LandCruiser 300 about $2,537 a year (8.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $285 a year less for the Subaru Forester.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester) and 5 years / Unlimited (Toyota LandCruiser 300). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Forester), no data (Toyota LandCruiser 300).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $97,990) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,252 a year against $2,537).

The Toyota LandCruiser 300: more power (227kW against 136kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (700L against 496L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 1,800kg).

The Verdict

Level at 76: here's what splits them

The Subaru Forester and Toyota LandCruiser 300 are level on the CarSorted Score at 76 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: practicality (Toyota LandCruiser 300 ahead by 25 points), performance (Toyota LandCruiser 300 ahead by 21 points), value (Subaru Forester ahead by 20 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Forester costs about $285 less (7.9 L/100km against 8.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 496L in the Subaru Forester, 700L in the Toyota LandCruiser 300.

Common questions