VS
At a Glance
Power
110 kW
136 kW
Torque
350 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
2100 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
1898 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Isuzu mu-X and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Isuzu mu-X delivers 110 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the mu-X 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 R789 700 for the mu-X 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
110 kW
136 kW
Torque
350 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1898 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
198 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4655 mm
Width
1870 mm
1830 mm
Height
1820 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
235 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
2005 Kg
1609 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
795 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
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
mu-X
Value
Forester
Practicality
mu-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu mu-X
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (110 kW vs 136 kW)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
More powerful engine (136 kW)
Lower starting price (R740 000)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the mu-X or Forester?
The mu-X uses 7.5 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The mu-X 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 mu-X or Forester?
The mu-X produces 110 kW and 350 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 mu-X and Forester?
The mu-X starts from R789 700 and the Forester from R740 000. The Forester is cheaper by R49 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the mu-X or Forester?
The mu-X has a braked towing capacity of 2100 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 mu-X 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.