VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
185kW@5000
Torque
310 Nm
360Nm@3600
Fuel
—
10.7L/100km
Towing
750 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
-
Engine
electric cc
2457cc
Choosing between the BYD Atto 3 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BYD Atto 3 delivers 150 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 185kW@5000. Pricing starts at R699 900 for the Atto 3 and R369 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
BYD Atto 3ATTO 3 2023 - From R699 900
Subaru Forester2.5 XT Prodrive Edition Sportshift 2007 - From R369 000
Performance
Power Output
150 kW
185kW@5000
Torque
310 Nm
360Nm@3600
0-100 kph
7.3 s
-
Top Speed
160 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
—
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
-
4
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
10.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
49.9 kWh l
60L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4455 mm
4485mm
Width
1875-2050 mm
1735mm
Height
1615 mm
1585mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
2525mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
200mm
Kerb Weight
1680 Kg
1525kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
310-1340 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
—
1692kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
7
4
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
✗
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
5 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
100000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
BYD Atto 3
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R369 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Atto 3 or Forester?
The Atto 3 produces 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 185kW@5000 and 360Nm@3600 of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Atto 3 and Forester?
The Atto 3 starts from R699 900 and the Forester from R369 000. The Forester is cheaper by R330 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Atto 3 or Forester?
The Atto 3 has a braked towing capacity of 750 Kg and the Forester can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Atto 3 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.