VS
At a Glance
Power
165 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
380 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
—
10.5
Towing
—
2000
0-100 km/h
—
7.1
Engine
1981 cc
2457
Choosing between the BAIC B40 Plus and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BAIC B40 Plus delivers 165 kW while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 169kW@5200. Pricing starts at R699 500 for the B40 Plus and R407 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
165 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
380 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
—
7.1
Top Speed
—
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1981 cc
2457
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
10.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.4
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
60
CO2 Emissions
250 g/km
248
Dimensions
Length
4630 mm
4560
Width
1925 mm
1780
Height
1871 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2745 mm
2615
Ground Clearance
210 mm
215
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
1510
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
532-965 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000
Load Capacity
—
1660
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
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
4
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
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 (R407 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 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the B40 Plus and FORESTER?
The B40 Plus starts from R699 500 and the FORESTER from R407 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R292 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 2000. 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.