VS
At a Glance
Power
268 kW
136 kW
Torque
760 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3 co
7.9 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
1499 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Haval H6 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Haval H6 delivers 268 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the H6 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3 combined l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R749 900 for the H6 and R790 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
268 kW
136 kW
Torque
760 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3 co
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 litre + 19.1 kWh l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
25 when hybrid battery charged / 121 com
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4703 mm
4655 mm
Width
1886-1940 mm
1830 mm
Height
1730 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2738 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
—
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2055 Kg
1636 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
560 / 1445 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
5
Warranty Distance
200000 vehicle / 150000 hybrid battery +
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Haval H6
4 / 4 categories
Performance
H6
Fuel Economy
H6
Value
H6
Practicality
H6
Pros & Cons
Haval H6
More powerful engine (268 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3 combined l/100km)
Lower starting price (R749 900)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 268 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the H6 or Forester?
The H6 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 5.3 combined l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The H6 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the H6 or Forester?
The H6 produces 268 kW and 760 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The H6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the H6 and Forester?
The H6 starts from R749 900 and the Forester from R790 000. The H6 is cheaper by R40 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the H6 or Forester?
The H6 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 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 H6 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.