Subaru Forester vs Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid
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.
Subaru Forester
From $43,490
SUV
Petrol
136kW
8.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
520L
Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid
From $52,990
SUV
1.5L Turbocharged Petrol
105kW
1.3 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid opens at $52,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $9,500.
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 $58,289 respectively.
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Forester, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid by roughly $11,235 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid gets a 15.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Sony audio and ambient lighting 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 Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid responds with a 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol making 105kW and 215Nm, paired to a dedicated hybrid transmission (3dht) driving the front wheels.
The Subaru Forester has the clear power advantage at 136kW vs 105kW. 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, 145mm shorter than the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid at 4,800mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid 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.
10.8m diameter
Good
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 $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester and $62/year for the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid. That is a $2,247 annual difference in favour of the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $62 (Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid). The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid saves you roughly $2,247 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 7 years (Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid). The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —7yr (Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Forester and Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid will save you roughly $2,247 a year in fuel. The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid by $9,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid uses the least fuel at 1.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Forester has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid has the longest warranty at 7 years.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Forester makes the most power at 136kW.
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!
