Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Forester opens at $43,490. That makes the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max the more affordable entry point by $4,500.
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 $42,889 and $47,839 respectively.
Safety Rundown
Both the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Subaru Forester hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 83% for the Subaru Forester.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 10 in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 9 in the Subaru Forester.
Feature Showdown
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Forester gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max stands out with wireless charging, power tailgate and Sony audio that you will not find on the Subaru Forester. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max uses a Petrol producing 180kW and 375Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 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 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the clear power advantage at 180kW vs 136kW. In the real-world sprint, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is 2.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max measures 4,720mm long on a 2,710mm wheelbase, 65mm longer than the Subaru Forester at 4,655mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 550L in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and 520L in the Subaru Forester, giving the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max a 30L advantage. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,309/year for the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and $2,309/year for the Subaru Forester.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max) vs $2,309 (Subaru Forester). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Forester). The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Chery's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Forester if: You or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max takes 6 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Subaru Forester?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Forester by $4,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 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 Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the largest boot at 550L.
Which can tow the most?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max makes the most power at 180kW. The Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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