Subaru Forester vs Volvo EX30

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Subaru Forester and Volvo EX30 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2024. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 88% for the Volvo EX30.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Forester, against 5 on the Volvo EX30.

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 Volvo EX30.

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.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo EX30 counters with head-up display, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Subaru Forester gets cloth upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric. Climate control is 2-zone in the Subaru Forester and 1-zone in the Volvo EX30.

Drivetrain

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

The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Volvo EX30 has the clear power advantage at 200kW 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, 422mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Forester generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 496L in the Subaru Forester and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Subaru Forester a 178L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Forester leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg 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 0.2 m tighter, 10.8 m against 11.0 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 electricity for the Volvo EX30 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Forester) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX30). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Subaru Forester), no data (Volvo EX30).

Where each one leads

The Subaru Forester: the lower starting price ($45,990 against $49,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (496L against 318L) and the higher braked towing limit (1,800kg against 1,600kg).

The Volvo EX30: more power (200kW against 136kW).

The Verdict

Level at 76: here's what splits them

The Subaru Forester and Volvo EX30 are level on the CarSorted Score at 76 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: performance (Volvo EX30 ahead by 20 points), practicality (Subaru Forester ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 496L in the Subaru Forester, 318L in the Volvo EX30.

Common questions