Subaru Forester vs MG QS
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 Subaru Forester starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the MG QS opens at $46,990. That makes the Subaru Forester the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $51,689 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Forester and MG QS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 83% for the Subaru Forester and 88% for the MG QS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG QS packs more ADAS features with 7 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 MG QS. The MG QS adds a 360-degree camera that the Subaru Forester misses.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Forester features a 11.6-inch touchscreen, while the MG QS gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG QS counters with panoramic roof, power tailgate 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 MG QS responds with a 2.0L Turbo Petrol making 153kW and 360Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The MG QS has the clear power advantage at 153kW 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, 328mm shorter than the MG QS at 4,983mm (2,915mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG QS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the Subaru Forester and 203L in the MG QS, giving the Subaru Forester a 317L advantage. The MG QS seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the MG QS leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg 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 $2,394/year for the MG QS. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Forester.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Subaru Forester) vs $2,394 (MG QS). The Subaru Forester saves you roughly $85 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 10 years / 250,000km (MG QS). The MG QS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG QS if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Subaru Forester and MG QS trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Subaru Forester will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Forester has a clear edge. The MG QS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 MG QS?
The Subaru Forester is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG QS by $3,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Forester uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Forester and MG QS 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 MG QS has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG QS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG QS makes the most power at 153kW.
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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