VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
450 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
10.5
Towing
3500 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
—
7.9
Engine
2999 cc
2457
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 140 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the Forester uses 10.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R886 800 for the MU-X and R420 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
140 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
450 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
—
7.9
Top Speed
—
207
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 cc
2457
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
rear
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.6 l/100km
10.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.5
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
60
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
248
Dimensions
Length
4850 mm
4560
Width
1870 mm
1780
Height
1820 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2855 mm
2615
Ground Clearance
235 mm
215
Kerb Weight
1980 Kg
1525
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
659 l
1660
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
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
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
120000 Km
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Isuzu MU-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
MU-X
Fuel Economy
MU-X
Value
Forester
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R420 000)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the MU-X or Forester?
The MU-X uses 7.6 l/100km and the Forester uses 10.5 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 140 kW and 450 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 MU-X and Forester?
The MU-X starts from R886 800 and the Forester from R420 000. The Forester is cheaper by R466 800 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 3500 Kg and the Forester can tow 2000. 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.