VS
At a Glance
Power
125 kW
136 kW
Torque
405 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
1996 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Ford Everest and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Ford Everest delivers 125 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Everest returns 7.5 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R825 000 for the Everest and R790 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
125 kW
136 kW
Torque
405 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1996 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
10
—
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
204 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4940 mm
4655 mm
Width
1923 mm
1830 mm
Height
1844 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2900 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2137 Kg
1636 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
259 / 898 / 1823 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
759 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
4
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
Optional
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Everest
Value
Forester
Practicality
Everest
Pros & Cons
Ford Everest
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Less power than rival (125 kW vs 136 kW)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
More powerful engine (136 kW)
Lower starting price (R790 000)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Everest or Forester?
The Everest uses 7.5 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Everest is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Everest or Forester?
The Everest produces 125 kW and 405 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Everest and Forester?
The Everest starts from R825 000 and the Forester from R790 000. The Forester is cheaper by R35 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Everest or Forester?
The Everest has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Everest 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.