Isuzu MU-X vs Subaru Forester
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 Isuzu MU-X starts from $43,900 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $410.
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 $48,290 and $47,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Isuzu MU-X by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Isuzu MU-X and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Isuzu MU-X and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Isuzu MU-X 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 8 in the Isuzu MU-X and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Feature Showdown
The Isuzu MU-X features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Isuzu MU-X uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11 seconds.
The Subaru Forester responds with a Petrol making 136kW and 226Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Isuzu MU-X is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Isuzu MU-X measures 4,860mm long on a 2,855mm wheelbase, 205mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 311L in the Isuzu MU-X and 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Subaru Forester a 209L advantage. The Isuzu MU-X seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Isuzu MU-X leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,824/year for the Isuzu MU-X and $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Isuzu MU-X.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Isuzu MU-X) vs $2,309 (Subaru Forester). The Isuzu MU-X saves you roughly $485 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Isuzu MU-X takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Isuzu MU-X will save you roughly $485 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The Isuzu MU-X adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Isuzu MU-X and Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Isuzu MU-X by $410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu MU-X uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Isuzu MU-X and Subaru Forester 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 Isuzu MU-X has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu MU-X has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW. The Isuzu MU-X is quickest to 100km/h in 11s.
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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