Subaru Forester vs Deepal S07
What's the difference?

Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Deepal S07

—

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Subaru Forester

2025 Deepal S07

By Marcus Craft

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Street-smart looks
Spacious and practical boot
Well-priced and equipped

Dislikes

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

Incessant bonging of safety systems
Comfortable but uninspiring drive
Slow 'fast' charging

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 Deepal S07 Summary

You’re getting flooded with new electric mid-size SUVs from China, I know. But if you’re struggling to recall them all, just remember – this is the good-looking one.

It’s the Deepal S07, the spearhead for the Deepal brand's new presence in Australia, and I reckon it looks damn sharp.

But is there substance to match the style? And can it take on the likes of the Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6?

Let's find out, shall we?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Forester 2025 Deepal S07

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

The Deepal S07 has the makings of a great family friendly EV, but with some quirks that really need to be ironed out.

Subaru Forester vs Deepal S07 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Forester vs Deepal S07
What's the difference?