SUV & Wagon car comparison

Subaru OUTBACK vs Subaru FORESTER

Both are suv & wagon vehicles on New Zealand roads. Based on NZTA fleet data.

Subaru OUTBACK 24,438 on NZ roads
VS
Subaru FORESTER 20,187 on NZ roads
$2/week cheaper to fuel — Subaru FORESTER at $61/wk vs $63/wk
15.400000000000006 kW more power — Subaru OUTBACK at 140.8 kW
Subaru OUTBACK 24,438 in NZ
Subaru FORESTER 20,187 in NZ
Registered in NZ
24,438
20,187
Fuel Economy
8 L/100km
7.8 L/100km
Power
140.8 kW
125.4 kW
Weight
1,955.3 kg
1,882.6 kg
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Body Type
SUV & Wagon
SUV & Wagon
Seats
5
5
Year Range
1996–2026
1997–2026
Imported New
66%
48%

NZ Registrations Over Time

Registration trend for Subaru OUTBACK vs Subaru FORESTER: comparing annual new registrations in NZ from 2020 onwards. Subaru OUTBACK has more total registrations.

Regional Popularity

Region Subaru OUTBACK Subaru FORESTER
AUCKLAND 6,255 5,316
CHRISTCHURCH CITY 3,201 2,416
QUEENSTOWN-LAKES DISTRICT 1,356 1,096
DUNEDIN CITY 910 783
TAURANGA CITY 906 593
WELLINGTON CITY 821 667
HAMILTON CITY 651 594
TASMAN DISTRICT 503 419

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more popular in NZ — the Subaru OUTBACK or Subaru FORESTER?

The Subaru OUTBACK is more common with 24,438 registered in New Zealand compared to 20,187 for the Subaru FORESTER. A larger fleet means more mechanics familiar with the car and easier access to parts.

Which is cheaper to run — Subaru OUTBACK or Subaru FORESTER?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Subaru FORESTER uses less fuel at 7.8 L/100km compared to 8 L/100km. At current fuel prices of approximately $2.80/L, that difference adds up over a year of typical driving.

Are Subaru OUTBACK and Subaru FORESTER the same body type?

Both are classified as SUV & Wagon vehicles in the NZTA fleet data. The Subaru OUTBACK is primarily a petrol vehicle while the Subaru FORESTER runs on petrol.

Are these cars typically imported new or used?

66% of Subaru OUTBACK models were imported new to NZ, while 33% came as used imports. For the Subaru FORESTER, 48% were new and 51% were used imports.

Where does this data come from?

All figures are sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026. This covers 3,678,722 registered passenger vehicles in New Zealand.

Data sourced from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Motor Vehicle Register, current as of 31 March 2026.