5-year running cost · 15,000 km/yr · NSW
Subaru Solterra AWDVSSubaru Forester 2.5i
The Subaru Forester 2.5i is cheaper to run — by $9,543 over 5 years (17% lower total cost), driven mostly by depreciation.
- 5-yr cheaper total
- $45,600
- Subaru Forester 2.5i
- Saving vs rival
- $9,543
- 17% lower
- Cost per km
- $1
- vs $1
- Saving per year
- $1,909
- on average
Tale of the tape
Headline specs and running costs side by side.
| Metric | ⚡ Subaru Solterra AWD | ⛽ Subaru Forester 2.5i |
|---|---|---|
| Driveaway price | $79,990 | $50,990 |
| Powertrain | Electric (BEV) | Petrol · ULP 91 |
| Efficiency | 20.5 kWh/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Battery / fuel | 72.8 kWh battery | Petrol · ULP 91 |
| Range | ~310 km real-world | — |
| Annual energy / fuel | $680 | $2,491 |
Run the numbers yourself
interactivePre-loaded with the Subaru Solterra AWD and Subaru Forester 2.5i. Adjust the state, annual distance, ownership period and charging mix to match your situation.
EV Running Cost Calculator
Compare the true 5-year ownership cost of an electric car vs its petrol equivalent in Australia.
Ownership period
Electric
Subaru Solterra AWD
- Energy / Fuel
- $3,398
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $7,500
- Servicing
- $1,750
- Depreciation
- $39,995
5-Year Total
$55,143
$1/km · $11,029/yr
Petrol
Subaru Forester 2.5i
- Energy / Fuel
- $12,454
- Registration
- $2,500
- Insurance
- $7,500
- Servicing
- $2,750
- Depreciation
- $20,396
5-Year Total
$45,600
$1/km · $9,120/yr
5-Year Cost Breakdown
Energy / Fuel
Registration
Insurance
Servicing
Depreciation
5-year cost breakdown
Every category, both vehicles, and the difference.
| Category | Subaru Solterra AWD | Subaru Forester 2.5i | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy / fuel | $3,398 | $12,454 | −$9,056 |
| Registration | $2,500 | $2,500 | — |
| Insurance | $7,500 | $7,500 | — |
| Servicing | $1,750 | $2,750 | −$1,000 |
| Depreciation | $39,995 | $20,396 | +$19,599 |
| Total (5 yrs) | $55,143 | $45,600 | $9,543 |
Which is cheaper to run?
Over 5 years of average Australian driving (15,000 km/year in NSW), the Subaru Forester 2.5i costs $45,600 to own and run, against $55,143 for the Subaru Solterra AWD. That is a $9,543 difference — about $1,909 a year, or $159 a month.
The single biggest swing is depreciation: across 5 years the gap is $19,599. Energy is where electric cars usually win — charging at home (especially on solar or off-peak rates) costs a fraction of petrol per kilometre — while the Subaru Solterra AWD's higher purchase price can narrow the gap through depreciation.
Estimates use average NSW electricity and fuel prices, typical insurance and servicing for this segment, and a 5-year depreciation model. Your numbers will vary with tariffs, driving style and resale values — use the calculator above for a tailored figure.
FAQ
- Is the Subaru Solterra AWD cheaper to run than the Subaru Forester 2.5i?
- Over 5 years at 15,000 km/year in NSW, the Subaru Solterra AWD costs $55,143 versus $45,600 for the Subaru Forester 2.5i. The Subaru Forester 2.5i is $9,543 cheaper overall, driven mainly by depreciation.
- How much does it cost to run the Subaru Solterra AWD per year in Australia?
- Around $11,029 per year ($1/km), covering energy, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation at 15,000 km/year in NSW.
- How much can I save switching from the Subaru Solterra AWD to the Subaru Forester 2.5i?
- About $9,543 over 5 years — roughly $1,909 per year. Use the calculator above to adjust the state, annual distance and charging mix for your situation.