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DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (156 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (29,500 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – DS Automobiles DS 3 or Subaru Forester?

DS Automobiles DS 3 vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • moderately cheaper
  • moderately more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

DS 3

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

DS Automobiles DS 3 is moderately cheaper – starting at 29,500 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,632 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the DS Automobiles DS 3 uses 5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.1 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the DS Automobiles DS 3 offers moderately more power – delivering 156 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 20 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the DS Automobiles DS 3 is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 9.1 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the DS Automobiles DS 3 delivers clearly more torque with 260 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 78 Nm more.

DS 3

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, DS Automobiles DS 3 is markedly lighter – 1,249 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 444 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers visibly more boot space – 508 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 158 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries barely more – 492 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 26 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The DS Automobiles DS 3 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,500
DS 3

DS Automobiles DS 3

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 145 - 156 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.5 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 400 km
DS Automobiles DS 3
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

DS Automobiles DS 3

The DS 3 is a chic, compact premium hatch that stands out with couture styling and an interior that feels more boutique than bargain-bin. It serves up a poised, city-friendly drive with plenty of French flair — ideal for buyers who want personality as much as practicality and don’t mind turning heads at the lights.

details

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

details
DS Automobiles DS 3
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption

Price
29,500 - 37,600 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.5 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
400 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 112 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,249 - 1,646 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
350 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,791 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
362 - 466 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
145 - 156 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.1 - 9.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 260 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
107 - 115 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
DS Automobiles
Brand
Subaru
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.