Subaru Forester vs Ineos Grenadier
What's the difference?

Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

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Ineos Grenadier

$102,000 - $118,000

2026 price

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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

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Subaru Forester

2026 Ineos Grenadier

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

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Fuel Type

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Fuel Efficiency

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Seating

Likes

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

Retro looks
Robust build
4WD capability

Dislikes

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

Price-tag
Floaty ride
Bit sluggish on road

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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2026 Ineos Grenadier Summary

As part of recent updates to the line-up, the Ineos Grenadier’s steering has been tweaked for a more precise feel and a claimed slightly tighter turning circle and the driver-assist tech has been upgraded as has the air-con system.

This body-on-frame 4WD has live axles, a dual-range transfer case, front, centre and rear diff locks and a stack of other features intended to turn the driver into an off-road expert.

So how does the Grenadier station wagon perform off-road? Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Forester 2026 Ineos Grenadier

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 Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon is an impressive four-wheel drive. This five-seat off-roader is stacked with features, is very capable off-road and it's actually not atrocious on-road. But its price will deter a lot of people and those who buy into the Grenadier lifestyle have to be prepared to endure some compromises and discomfort along the way… because this is not for everyone. And that’s kind of the point.

This is a new old-school 4WD – a niche within a niche – and while it’s bursting at the seams with an abundance of quirky features, those quirks may quickly lose their appeal and become annoyances. A lot of people will buy the Grenadier because they like the idea of it, but the reality of living with it day to day – or any old-school 4WD, for that matter – may be uncomfortable for them, similar to all of those people who bought a camper-trailer during COVID only to realise they hated camping.

When all is said and done, the Grenadier is a retro-cool 4WD with solid off-road capability.

Subaru Forester vs Ineos Grenadier What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Forester vs Ineos Grenadier
What's the difference?