VS
At a Glance
Power
140 kW
136 kW
Torque
450 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
7.6 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
2999 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 140 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the MU-X returns 7.6 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R939 700 for the MU-X and R699 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
136 kW
Torque
450 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2999 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
7.6 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
200 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
2080 Kg
1595 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
659 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
Isuzu MU-X
3 / 4 categories
Performance
MU-X
Fuel Economy
MU-X
Value
Forester
Practicality
MU-X
Pros & Cons
Isuzu MU-X
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.6 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R699 000)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 140 kW)
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 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 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The MU-X is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the MU-X and Forester?
The MU-X starts from R939 700 and the Forester from R699 000. The Forester is cheaper by R240 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 3500 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.