VS
At a Glance
Power
115 kW
136 kW
Torque
196 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
7.2 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
1400 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
1995 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Subaru Crosstrek delivers 115 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Crosstrek returns 7.2 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R699 000 for the Crosstrek 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
115 kW
136 kW
Torque
196 Nm
247 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
boxer
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.2 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
63 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4495 mm
4655 mm
Width
1800 mm
1830 mm
Height
1600 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1493 Kg
1595 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
320- l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400 Kg
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
150000 Km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Crosstrek
Value
Tied
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Subaru Crosstrek
Better fuel economy (7.2 l/100km)
Less power than rival (115 kW vs 136 kW)
Subaru Forester
More powerful engine (136 kW)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Crosstrek or Forester?
The Crosstrek uses 7.2 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Crosstrek 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 Crosstrek or Forester?
The Crosstrek produces 115 kW and 196 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 Crosstrek and Forester?
The Crosstrek starts from R699 000 and the Forester from R699 000. The Forester is cheaper by R0 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Crosstrek or Forester?
The Crosstrek has a braked towing capacity of 1400 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 Crosstrek 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.