VS
At a Glance
Power
165 kW
136 kW
Torque
380 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
—
7.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
Engine
1981 cc
2498 cc
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 136 kW. Pricing starts at R699 500 for the B40 Plus and R699 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
136 kW
Torque
380 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1981 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
75 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
250 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4630 mm
4655 mm
Width
1925 mm
1830 mm
Height
1871 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2745 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
210 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2080 Kg
1595 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
532-965 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
9
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
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
4
—
Service Plan Distance
60000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
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
More powerful engine (165 kW)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R699 000)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 165 kW)
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 136 kW and 247 Nm 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 R699 000. The Forester is cheaper by R500 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 1500 Kg. 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.