VS
At a Glance
Power
165 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
380 Nm
229Nm@4400
Fuel
—
9.6L/100km
Towing
—
1500kg
0-100 km/h
—
11s
Engine
1981 cc
2457cc
Choosing between the BAIC B40 Plus and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BAIC B40 Plus delivers 165 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 126kW@6000. Pricing starts at R699 500 for the B40 Plus 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.
Specification
BAIC B40 PlusB40 2.0t PLUS Champion A/T 2024 - From R699 500
Subaru Forester2.5 XS Premium AT 2008 - From R386 000
Performance
Power Output
165 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
380 Nm
229Nm@4400
0-100 kph
—
11s
Top Speed
-
182km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1981 cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
4
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
9.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
60L
CO2 Emissions
250 g/km
227g/km
Dimensions
Length
4630 mm
4560mm
Width
1925 mm
1780mm
Height
1871 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2745 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
210 mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
1490kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
532-965 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500kg
Load Capacity
—
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
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
120000 Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
4yr
—
Service Plan Distance
60000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
B40 Plus
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
BAIC B40 Plus
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R386 000)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the B40 Plus or Forester?
The B40 Plus produces 165 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 126kW@6000 and 229Nm@4400 of torque. The B40 Plus is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the B40 Plus and Forester?
The B40 Plus starts from R699 500 and the Forester from R386 000. The Forester is cheaper by R313 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the B40 Plus or Forester?
The B40 Plus has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the B40 Plus 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.