Subaru Forester vs Nissan Qashqai

What's the difference?

VS
Subaru Forester
Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Qashqai

$34,665 - $54,365

2026 price

Summary

2026 Subaru Forester
2026 Nissan Qashqai
Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 3, 1.5L
Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency

4.1L/100km (combined)
Seating
0

5
Dislikes
  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Needs all-terrain tyres
  • Intrusive driver alert system

  • Requires 95 RON premium unleaded
  • No spare wheel in Ti-L e-Power  
  • Getting up there in price
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 Nissan Qashqai Summary

If you think you know Nissan and haven’t driven one of its impressive e-Power models, you might be in for a surprise.

Be it the latest-generation X-Trail from Japan or the related smaller Qashqai out of the UK, this plugless petrol-electric hybrid powertrain is one of the best crossovers at any price point.

Now, barely a year after the facelift appeared in Australia, the Qashqai scores another round of changes.

We take a close look at the up-spec Ti-L to see if they make one of the best small SUVs even better (or worse).

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Forester 2026 Nissan Qashqai

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