VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
196 Nm
229Nm@4400
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
9.6
Towing
1400 Kg
1500
0-100 km/h
—
11
Engine
1995 cc
2457
Choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Subaru Crosstrek delivers 115 kW while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 126kW@6000. On fuel, the Crosstrek returns 7.2 l/100km while the FORESTER uses 9.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R609 000 for the Crosstrek and R386 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
115 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
196 Nm
229Nm@4400
0-100 kph
—
11
Top Speed
—
182
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
2457
Engine Layout
boxer
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
—
4
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
9.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.9
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
63 l
60
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
227
Dimensions
Length
4495 mm
4560
Width
1800 mm
1780
Height
1600 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2615
Ground Clearance
220 mm
215
Kerb Weight
1493 Kg
1490
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
320- l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400 Kg
1500
Load Capacity
—
1660
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
6
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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Crosstrek
Fuel Economy
Crosstrek
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
Subaru Crosstrek
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R386 000)
Higher towing capacity (1500)
Higher fuel consumption (9.6)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Crosstrek or FORESTER?
The Crosstrek uses 7.2 l/100km and the FORESTER uses 9.6 on the combined cycle. The Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek or FORESTER?
The Crosstrek produces 115 kW and 196 Nm of torque while the FORESTER delivers 126kW@6000 and 229Nm@4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Crosstrek and FORESTER?
The Crosstrek starts from R609 000 and the FORESTER from R386 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R223 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Crosstrek or FORESTER?
The Crosstrek has a braked towing capacity of 1400 Kg and the FORESTER can tow 1500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Crosstrek 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.