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Head-to-head

2026 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 84.9 to 73.1, on fuel & range. The Subaru Forester is ahead on safety.

B

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Forester Hybrid AW…

vs
F

2026 Tesla Model Y

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as a electric compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range RWD, is …

Verdict · default weights

2026 Tesla Model Y

Clear win

The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 84.9 to 73.1, on fuel & range. The Subaru Forester is ahead on safety.

Fuel & range2026 Tesla Model Y leads by 71.1
Safety2026 Subaru Forester leads by 26.8
Category · weight2026 Subaru Foresteroverall 73.12026 Tesla Model Yoverall 84.9
Pricew 4no datano data
Fuel & rangew 328.9100
Safetyw 492.966.1
Space & cargow 2100100
Performancew 2no datano data
Tech & comfortw 3no datano data
Warrantyw 2no datano data
Overall73.184.9

Subaru Forester: model-level data · Tesla Model Y: model-level data. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.

Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
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Specifications side by side

Trim-level specs appear here once the manufacturer's press kit is on file for both vehicles. EPA and NHTSA data are compared above.
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Safety record

NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAP

Subaru Forester

Safety Signal81 B
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls3
Owner complaints19 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained aboutForward Collision Avoidance (7), Electrical System (4), Visibility/Wiper (4)

Top recalls

  • highVisibility26V346000 · 69,663 vehicles
  • highStructure25V889000 · 5,603 vehicles
  • minorEquipment26V436000 · 541,237 vehicles

Tesla Model Y

Safety Signal41 F
NHTSA overall★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover★★★★★ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls8
Owner complaints343 · 72 crashes · 1 fires
Most complained aboutForward Collision Avoidance (131), Unspecified (107), Electrical System (51)

Top recalls

  • highSuspension26V558000 · 19 vehicles
  • highStructure26V445000 · 15 vehicles
  • highElectrical System25V690000 · 12,963 vehicles
  • highExterior Lighting25V658000 · 260 vehicles
  • highElectrical System25V490000 · 6 vehicles
  • highSeats25V410000 · 48 vehicles

Ownership

EPA, manufacturer warranty
Subaru ForesterTesla Model Y
Price
Price range across trims
PowertrainsHEV, GASBEV
EPA configuration comparedForester Hybrid AWDModel Y Standard RWD (18in Wheels)
Combined mpg / MPGe35138
EPA annual fuel cost$1,800$550
EV range321 mi
Basic warranty
Powertrain warranty
Roadside assistance

Common questions

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Which is better, the 2026 Subaru Forester or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 84.9 to 73.1, on fuel & range. The Subaru Forester is ahead on safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Tesla Model Y scores 84.9 and the 2026 Subaru Forester 73.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.

Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Subaru Forester or the 2026 Tesla Model Y?

2026 Subaru Forester: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 3 recalls. 2026 Tesla Model Y: 5 NHTSA stars, grade F, 8 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.