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Ford Focus vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (280 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (27,500 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Focus or Subaru Forester?

Ford Focus vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Ford Focus

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
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Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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  • noticeably more trunk space
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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

Focus

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.

Ford Focus is visibly cheaper – starting at 27,500 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 7,191 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Focus uses 4.9 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.2 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Focus offers significantly more power – delivering 280 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 144 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Focus is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 5.7 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 6.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Ford Focus delivers significantly more torque with 420 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 238 Nm more.

Focus

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, Ford Focus is markedly lighter – 1,330 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 363 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers noticeably more boot space – 508 L compared to 392 L. That’s a difference of about 116 L.

When it comes to payload, the Ford Focus carries a bit more – 560 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 68 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Ford Focus 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 £27,500
Focus

Ford Focus

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 280 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.9 - 8 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Ford Focus
Opel Corsa
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Ford Focus
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Ford Focus

The Ford Focus remains a clever all‑rounder that balances sharp handling with everyday comfort, making it a strong choice whether your commute is city streets or country lanes. Its practical cabin and sensible running costs mean you’ll spend more time enjoying the drive and less time worrying about ownership, with a playful streak underfoot that keeps things interesting.

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Reviews Ford Focus

4.6 (1 Reviews)
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Henk
28 Dec 2025, 23:33:18

Good handling and more than enough pulling power from the 1.5‑litre EcoBoost.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
27,500 - 42,700 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
117 - 183 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
52 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,330 - 1,529 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
392 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
4,382 - 4,397 mm
Length
-
Width
1,825 - 1,844 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
1,438 - 1,482 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,354 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
495 - 560 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 280 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 11.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
186 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
170 - 420 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 206 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 2,261 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,022 - 2,024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Ford
Brand
Subaru
Is the Ford Focus offered with different drivetrains?

The Ford Focus is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

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.