VS
At a Glance
Power
150 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
310 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
—
10.5L/100km
Towing
750 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
7.3 s
7.1s
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 169kW@5200. Pricing starts at R783 900 for the Atto 3 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
150 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
310 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
7.3 s
7.1s
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
MANUAL
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60.5kWh l
60L
CO2 Emissions
-
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4455 mm
4560mm
Width
1875-2050 mm
1780mm
Height
1615 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2720 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
175 mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1750 Kg
1510kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
310-1340 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
750 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
—
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
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
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ 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 / 150000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
20000
12500
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 (R407 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.1ss)
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 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 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 R783 900 and the Forester from R407 000. The Forester is cheaper by R376 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.