VS
At a Glance
Power
136 kW
200 kW
Torque
247 Nm
343 Nm
Fuel
7.9 l/100km
16.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
1500 Kg
1000 Kg
0-100 km/h
—
5.7 s
Engine
2498 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Subaru Forester and the Volvo Ex30 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Subaru Forester delivers 136 kW while the Volvo Ex30 produces 200 kW. On fuel, the Forester returns 7.9 l/100km while the Ex30 uses 16.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R830 000 for the Forester and R835 500 for the Ex30. 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
Subaru Forester2.5i Premium CVT 2025 - From R830 000
Volvo Ex30CORE (single Motor) 2025 - From R835 500
Performance
Power Output
136 kW
200 kW
Torque
247 Nm
343 Nm
0-100 kph
—
5.7 s
Top Speed
-
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2498 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
boxer
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
petrol
electric
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
-
-
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.9 l/100km
16.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
63 l
51 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
180 g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4655 mm
4233 mm
Width
1830 mm
1837-2032 mm
Height
1730 mm
1555 mm
Wheelbase
2670 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
177 mm
Kerb Weight
1645 Kg
1840 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
496-1174 l
318-622-904 rear + 7 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1500 Kg
1000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
370 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
9
7
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
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
15000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Ex30
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Tied
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R830 000)
Higher towing capacity (1500 Kg)
Less power than rival (136 kW vs 200 kW)
Volvo Ex30
More powerful engine (200 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (16.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Forester or Ex30?
The Forester uses 7.9 l/100km and the Ex30 uses 16.7 kWh/100km l/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 Forester or Ex30?
The Forester produces 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque while the Ex30 delivers 200 kW and 343 Nm of torque. The Ex30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Forester and Ex30?
The Forester starts from R830 000 and the Ex30 from R835 500, a difference of just R5 500, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Forester or Ex30?
The Forester has a braked towing capacity of 1500 Kg and the Ex30 can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Forester or the Ex30?
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.