VS
At a Glance
Power
169kW@5200
200 kW
Torque
320Nm@2800
343 Nm
Fuel
10.5
17.5 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2000
1400 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.9
5.3 s
Engine
2457
electric cc
Choosing between the SUBARU FORESTER and the Volvo EX30 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The SUBARU FORESTER delivers 169kW@5200 while the Volvo EX30 produces 200 kW. On fuel, the FORESTER returns 10.5 while the EX30 uses 17.5 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R452 000 for the FORESTER and R1 080 200 for the EX30. 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
200 kW
Torque
320Nm@2800
343 Nm
0-100 kph
7.9
5.3 s
Top Speed
207
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2457
electric cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
electric
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
—
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.5
17.5 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
14.5
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.2
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
60
69 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
248
—
Dimensions
Length
4560
4233 mm
Width
1780
1837-2032 mm
Height
1700
1555 mm
Wheelbase
2615
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
215
177 mm
Kerb Weight
1525
1850 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
318-622-904 rear + 7 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000
1400 Kg
Load Capacity
1660
390 l
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
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
100000
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
12500
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
SUBARU FORESTER
3 / 4 categories
Performance
EX30
Fuel Economy
FORESTER
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
SUBARU FORESTER
Better fuel economy (10.5)
Lower starting price (R452 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Few notable weaknesses
Volvo EX30
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (17.5 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the FORESTER or EX30?
The FORESTER uses 10.5 and the EX30 uses 17.5 kWh/100km l/100km on the combined cycle. The FORESTER 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 EX30?
The FORESTER produces 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque while the EX30 delivers 200 kW and 343 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the FORESTER and EX30?
The FORESTER starts from R452 000 and the EX30 from R1 080 200. The FORESTER is cheaper by R628 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the FORESTER or EX30?
The FORESTER has a braked towing capacity of 2000 and the EX30 can tow 1400 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the FORESTER or the EX30?
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.