VS
At a Glance
Power
230 kW
185kW@5000
Torque
494 Nm
360Nm@3600
Fuel
17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km
10.7L/100km
Towing
1200 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
-
Engine
electric cc
2457cc
Choosing between the MINI Countryman and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The MINI Countryman delivers 230 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 185kW@5000. On fuel, the Countryman returns 17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km while the Forester uses 10.7L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 110 000 for the Countryman 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.
Specification
MINI CountrymanSE (u25) 2024 - From R1 110 000
Subaru Forester2.5 XT Prodrive Edition Sportshift 2007 - From R369 000
Performance
Power Output
230 kW
185kW@5000
Torque
494 Nm
360Nm@3600
0-100 kph
5.6 s
-
Top Speed
180 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
—
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
UNLEADED
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
-
4
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km
10.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
66.5 kWh l
60L
CO2 Emissions
-
-
Dimensions
Length
4444 mm
4485mm
Width
1843-2069 mm
1735mm
Height
1635 mm
1585mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2525mm
Ground Clearance
—
200mm
Kerb Weight
2075 Kg
1525kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
460-1450 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1200 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
570 lkg
1692kg
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✗
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2 vehicle / 8 battery
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 battery Km
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Countryman
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
MINI Countryman
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R369 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman uses 17.0-18.5 kWh/100km l/100km and the Forester uses 10.7L/100km on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman produces 230 kW and 494 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 185kW@5000 and 360Nm@3600 of torque. The Countryman is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Countryman and Forester?
The Countryman starts from R1 110 000 and the Forester from R369 000. The Forester is cheaper by R741 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Countryman or Forester?
The Countryman has a braked towing capacity of 1200 Kg and the Forester can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Countryman 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.