VS
At a Glance
Power
170 kW
136 kW
Torque
380 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
—
1500 Kg
Engine
1998 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Haval H7 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Haval H7 delivers 170 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the H7 returns 8.1 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R604 950 for the H7 and R740 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
170 kW
136 kW
Torque
380 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
61 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
186 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4705 mm
4655 mm
Width
1908 mm
1830 mm
Height
1780 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2810 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
210 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1609 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
483-1362 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1500 Kg
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
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
H7
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
H7
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Haval H7
More powerful engine (170 kW)
Lower starting price (R604 950)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 170 kW)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the H7 or Forester?
The H7 uses 8.1 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 H7 or Forester?
The H7 produces 170 kW and 380 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The H7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the H7 and Forester?
The H7 starts from R604 950 and the Forester from R740 000. The H7 is cheaper by R135 050 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the H7 or Forester?
The H7 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the H7 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.