MG ZST vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?

MG ZST

$14,000 - $24,990

2024 price

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Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

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Summary

2024 MG ZST

2026 Subaru Forester

By Emily Agar

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.3L

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Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

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Fuel Efficiency

7.3L/100km (combined)

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Seating

Likes

Happy little price tag
Good features list
Nice kerb-side presence

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Dislikes

Tech needs improving
Upholstery/trims feel plasticky
Rivals have brand new five-star ANCAP ratings

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

2024 MG ZST Summary

The ZST is essentially an upgraded version of MG's popular small SUV, the ZS.

The ZST sees some tweaks to the overall design and some added standard safety features. So, if you like the original, there's a good chance you'll like the ZST and I've been driving the top-grade Essence variant with my family of three.

The ZST Essence has some stiff competition from similarly specified rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion Lux and Chery Omoda 5 EX offering affordable packages and similar driving experiences. So, what makes the ZST stand out?

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2026 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 MG ZST 2026 Subaru Forester

Verdict

Will the MG ZST Essence fit a small family? Absolutely, and all but the middle seat passenger will be comfortable but there are areas open for improvement. Like it's safety, laggy tech and adding a few extra items in the back seat.

Yet, it still offers a good host of features and an attractive package for a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, my son missed having the basic amenities but did like the sun roof.

Verdict

The MY26 Subaru Forester packs plenty of punch in terms of standard features, a roomy and functional interior and overall driveability. Sure, it’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive on- or off-road but to get stuck on that is to miss the point entirely. This is a decent all-rounder with a solid background and an AWD system that long ago set the gold standard for vehicles of this type.

In a tough mid-size SUV market segment aimed more at those intent on driving through car parks rather than adventuring through national parks, the Forester offers greater versatility than most and should not be ignored.

MG ZST vs Subaru Forester What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

MG ZST vs Subaru Forester
What's the difference?