VS
At a Glance
Power
170 kW
185kW@5000
Torque
380 Nm
360Nm@3600
Fuel
9.1 l/100km
10.7
Towing
—
2000
0-100 km/h
—
—
Engine
1998 cc
2457
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 185kW@5000. On fuel, the H7 returns 9.1 l/100km while the FORESTER uses 10.7 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R674 950 for the H7 and R369 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
185kW@5000
Torque
380 Nm
360Nm@3600
0-100 kph
—
—
Top Speed
—
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2457
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
9
4
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.1 l/100km
10.7
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
61 l
60
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4705 mm
4485
Width
1908 mm
1735
Height
1780 mm
1585
Wheelbase
2810 mm
2525
Ground Clearance
210 mm
200
Kerb Weight
—
1525
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
483-1362 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000
Load Capacity
—
1692
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✗
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✗
Airbag Count
6
4
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
36
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
7
—
Service Plan Distance
75000
—
Service Intervals
15000
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
H7
Fuel Economy
H7
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
FORESTER
Pros & Cons
Haval H7
Better fuel economy (9.1 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R369 000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.7)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the H7 or FORESTER?
The H7 uses 9.1 l/100km and the FORESTER uses 10.7 on the combined cycle. The H7 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 185kW@5000 and 360Nm@3600 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the H7 and FORESTER?
The H7 starts from R674 950 and the FORESTER from R369 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R305 950 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 2000. 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.