VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
136 kW
Torque
310 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
—
7.9 l/100km
Towing
750 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
—
Engine
electric cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the BYD Atto 3 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BYD Atto 3 delivers 150 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. Pricing starts at R783 900 for the Atto 3 and R740 000 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
150 kW
136 kW
Torque
310 Nm
247 Nm
0-100 kph
7.3 s
—
Top Speed
160 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
—
boxer
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60.5kWh l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
—
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4455 mm
4655 mm
Width
1875-2050 mm
1830 mm
Height
1615 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1750 Kg
1609 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
310-1340 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery
5
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 150000 battery Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
20000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Atto 3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 3
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R740 000)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 150 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Atto 3 or Forester?
The Atto 3 produces 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Atto 3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 3 and Forester?
The Atto 3 starts from R783 900 and the Forester from R740 000. The Forester is cheaper by R43 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Atto 3 or Forester?
The Atto 3 has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Atto 3 or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.