VS
At a Glance
Power
141 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
261 Nm
229Nm@4400
Fuel
7.3 l/100km
9.6L/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
1500kg
0-100 km/h
9.6 s
11s
Engine
2488 cc
2457cc
Choosing between the Mazda CX-60 and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mazda CX-60 delivers 141 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 126kW@6000. On fuel, the CX-60 returns 7.3 l/100km while the Forester uses 9.6L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R790 200 for the CX-60 and R386 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.
Specification
Mazda CX-602.5l Dynamic A/T 2025 - From R790 200
Subaru Forester2.5 XS Premium AT 2008 - From R386 000
Performance
Power Output
141 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
261 Nm
229Nm@4400
0-100 kph
9.6 s
11s
Top Speed
203 Km/h
182km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2488 cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
4
Drive Wheels
rear
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.3 l/100km
9.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58 l
60L
CO2 Emissions
170 g/km
227g/km
Dimensions
Length
4745 mm
4560mm
Width
1890-2134 mm
1780mm
Height
1688 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2870 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
179 mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1451 Kg
1490kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
477-1148-1726 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
1500kg
Load Capacity
—
1660kg
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
—
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mazda CX-60
2 / 4 categories
Performance
CX-60
Fuel Economy
CX-60
Value
Forester
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mazda CX-60
Better fuel economy (7.3 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R386 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.6L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CX-60 or Forester?
The CX-60 uses 7.3 l/100km and the Forester uses 9.6L/100km on the combined cycle. The CX-60 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CX-60 or Forester?
The CX-60 produces 141 kW and 261 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 126kW@6000 and 229Nm@4400 of torque. The CX-60 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the CX-60 and Forester?
The CX-60 starts from R790 200 and the Forester from R386 000. The Forester is cheaper by R404 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CX-60 or Forester?
The CX-60 has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the Forester can tow 1500kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CX-60 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.