Subaru Forester vs Audi Q7
What's the difference?

Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi Q7

$75,880 - $129,990

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Subaru Forester

2025 Audi Q7

By Marcus Craft

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo V6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

—

Diesel/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

7.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Extremely comfortable
Sensible tech and ergonomics
Design still looks current

Dislikes

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

Thirst for fuel
Lack of front row storage
Occasional drivetrain hesitation

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.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Audi Q7 Summary

The updated Audi Q7 is a bit of a game of ‘spot the difference’ - but even though it’s far from a new generation, the update is more than just some shiny new bits.

While the brand’s first SUV is still in its second generation, a bit of modernised design and some tech tweaks are aimed at keeping it in line with rivals, even as it nears a decade on sale.

As well as the new features, there’s also a new variant bound for Aussie showrooms. So, is it still up to the task?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Forester 2025 Audi Q7

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.

Verdict

Overall, changes to the Q7 aren’t quite revolutionary, but that’s okay because it was already a fantastic large SUV.

The fact Audi has kept the price around the same mark and introduced a cheaper entry-grade should be welcome news for prospective buyers.

But even the existing variants are capable and impressive family haulers… and now they’re just that little bit better.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Subaru Forester vs Audi Q7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Forester vs Audi Q7
What's the difference?