VS
At a Glance
Power
169kW@5200
150 kW
Torque
320Nm@2800
500 Nm
Fuel
10.5
7.6 l/100km
Towing
2000
2500 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.9
—
Engine
2457
2755 cc
Choosing between the SUBARU FORESTER and the Toyota Fortuner is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The SUBARU FORESTER delivers 169kW@5200 while the Toyota Fortuner produces 150 kW. On fuel, the FORESTER returns 10.5 while the Fortuner uses 7.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R452 000 for the FORESTER and R879 600 for the Fortuner. 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
169kW@5200
150 kW
Torque
320Nm@2800
500 Nm
0-100 kph
7.9
—
Top Speed
207
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2457
2755 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5
7.6 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.5
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60
80 l
CO2 Emissions
248
201 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4560
4795 mm
Width
1780
1855 mm
Height
1700
1835 mm
Wheelbase
2615
2745 mm
Ground Clearance
215
279 mm
Kerb Weight
1525
2050 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
1660
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
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
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
3
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 Km
Service Plan
M
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
12500
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Fortuner
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Fortuner
Fuel Economy
Fortuner
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
Fortuner
Pros & Cons
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R452 000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
No factory service plan
Toyota Fortuner
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the FORESTER or Fortuner?
The FORESTER uses 10.5 and the Fortuner uses 7.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Fortuner 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 FORESTER or Fortuner?
The FORESTER produces 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque while the Fortuner delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the FORESTER and Fortuner?
The FORESTER starts from R452 000 and the Fortuner from R879 600. The FORESTER is cheaper by R427 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the FORESTER or Fortuner?
The FORESTER has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the Fortuner can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the FORESTER or the Fortuner?
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.