VS
At a Glance
Power
160 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
262 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 coL/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
—
2000kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
7.1s
Engine
1499 cc
2457cc
Choosing between the Geely E5 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Geely E5 delivers 160 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the E5 returns 1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 coL/100km while the Forester uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R679 999 for the E5 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
160 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
262 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
8.0 s
7.1s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1499 cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
-
5
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 coL/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.4L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 litre + 18.4 kWh l
60L
CO2 Emissions
28 when hybrid battery charged / 54 combg/km
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4740 mm
4560mm
Width
1905 mm
1780mm
Height
1685 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2755 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
—
215mm
Kerb Weight
1770 Kg
1510kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
528 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000kg
Load Capacity
—
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
✗
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
6 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
75000km
—
Service Intervals
—
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
E5
Fuel Economy
E5
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Geely E5
Better fuel economy (1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 coL/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R407 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.1ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the E5 or Forester?
The E5 uses 1.2 when hybrid battery charged / 4.3 coL/100km and the Forester uses 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The E5 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 E5 or Forester?
The E5 produces 160 kW and 262 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the E5 and Forester?
The E5 starts from R679 999 and the Forester from R407 000. The Forester is cheaper by R272 999 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the E5 or Forester?
The E5 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the E5 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.