VS
At a Glance
Power
141 kW
136 kW
Torque
261 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.6 s
—
Engine
2488 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-60 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mazda CX-60 delivers 141 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the CX-60 returns 7.3 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R790 200 for the CX-60 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
141 kW
136 kW
Torque
261 Nm
247 Nm
0-100 kph
9.6 s
—
Top Speed
203 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2488 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
170 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4745 mm
4655 mm
Width
1890-2134 mm
1830 mm
Height
1688 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
179 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1451 Kg
1636 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
477-1148-1726 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimited
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-60
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-60
Fuel Economy
CX-60
Value
Forester
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-60
More powerful engine (141 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R790 000)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 141 kW)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-60 or Forester?
The CX-60 uses 7.3 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-60 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 CX-60 or Forester?
The CX-60 produces 141 kW and 261 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The CX-60 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-60 and Forester?
The CX-60 starts from R790 200 and the Forester from R790 000. The Forester is cheaper by R200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-60 or Forester?
The CX-60 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 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 CX-60 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.