VS
At a Glance
Power
184 kW
136 kW
Torque
600 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
2996 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Ford Ranger and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ford Ranger delivers 184 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Ranger returns 8.3 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R830 200 for the Ranger and R830 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
Ford Ranger3.0d Sport A/T 4x4 Super CAB P/U 2026 - From R830 200
Subaru Forester2.5i Premium CVT 2025 - From R830 000
Performance
Power Output
184 kW
136 kW
Torque
600 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
-
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2996 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
V
boxer
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
10
-
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
218 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5350 mm
4655 mm
Width
2015-2208 mm
1830 mm
Height
1877 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
3270 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
237 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2176 Kg
1645 Kg
Doors
2+2
5
Seats
2
5
Load Volume
—
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1093 lkg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ 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
Satellite Navigation
✓ 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
6yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Ford Ranger
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ranger
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Tied
Practicality
Ranger
Pros & Cons
Ford Ranger
More powerful engine (184 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R830 000)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 184 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Ranger or Forester?
The Ranger uses 8.3 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Ranger or Forester?
The Ranger produces 184 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Ranger is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Ranger and Forester?
The Ranger starts from R830 200 and the Forester from R830 000, a difference of just R200, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Ranger or Forester?
The Ranger 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 Ranger 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.