VS

Hyundai i30 vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (150 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (24,600 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Hyundai i30 or Subaru Forester?

Hyundai i30 vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Hyundai i30

4.3 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • very slightly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly lighter
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly 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

i30

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.

Hyundai i30 is significantly cheaper – starting at 24,600 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,577 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Hyundai i30 uses 5.9 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.2 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 Hyundai i30 offers very slightly more power – delivering 150 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 14 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Hyundai i30 is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.9 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 3.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Hyundai i30 delivers markedly more torque with 250 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 68 Nm more.

i30

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, Hyundai i30 is clearly lighter – 1,315 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 378 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers clearly more boot space – 508 L compared to 395 L. That’s a difference of about 113 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries very slightly more – 492 kg compared to 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Hyundai i30 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 £24,600
i30

Hyundai i30

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 115 - 150 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.9 - 6.3 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

Hyundai i30
Kia Ceed
VS
Two Korean siblings with the same DNA but different attitudes, the Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed square off to see which compact hatchback is the smarter buy. We’ll park them side-by-side, compare driving feel, equipment and running costs, and tell you which one actually deserves your driveway — and …
Hyundai i30
SEAT Ibiza
VS
In a head-to-head comparison between the Hyundai i30 and the SEAT Ibiza, both vehicles showcase impressive design and performance qualifications, appealing to those seeking a compact yet versatile hatchback. While the i30 boasts a roomier cabin and an abundance of tech features, the Ibiza stands …
Hyundai i30
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 proves that sensible can also be stylish, offering a confident driving character wrapped in neat, modern design. It serves up a roomy, well-equipped cabin and composed ride that make everyday motoring feel like a clever purchase rather than a compromise.

details
hyundai-i30-0820-26
hyundai-i30-0820-24
hyundai-i30-0820-11
hyundai-i30-0820-72
hyundai-i30-0820-84

Reviews Hyundai i30

4.3 (2 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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
csm_ATP_3588_26cd8d3e91
csm_ATP_3846_b1acfd59d3
csm_ATP_3796_e529e6d83f
csm_ATP_3939_15099a6c78
csm_ATP_4012_b1f29ad2a5

Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
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.

Frequently compared as well

Hyundai Bayon
Hyundai i30
VS
The Hyundai Bayon and Hyundai i30 serve different buyers: the Bayon is a compact crossover offering a taller driving position and SUV-style practicality, while the i30 is a conventional family hatchback focused on sharper handling and on-road refinement. This comparison will help you decide whether …
Hyundai i30
Skoda Scala
VS
Choosing between the Hyundai i30 and the Skoda Scala comes down to whether you want a sharper, more driver-focused hatch with a wide choice of trims and features or a practical, well-packaged compact that prioritises interior space and value. The i30 tends to appeal for its driving dynamics and …
Ford Focus
Hyundai i30
VS
In the latest comparison between the Ford Focus and the Hyundai i30, both models showcase their strengths in the competitive compact car segment. The Focus impresses with its agile handling and sporty design, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the i30 stands out for its …
Hyundai i20
Hyundai i30
VS
The Hyundai i20 and Hyundai i30 sit in adjacent segments: the i20 is a compact, city-focused hatch while the i30 steps up into a more spacious, refined family car. This comparison pinpoints the practical differences in space, engines, economy and equipment so you can choose the model that best fits …
Hyundai i30
Hyundai i30 Wagon
VS
Choosing between the Hyundai i30 hatchback and the i30 Wagon comes down to whether you prioritize compact daily driving or extra cargo space for family and gear. The hatch is more city-friendly and nimble, while the wagon adds load-carrying practicality without sacrificing much in comfort or …
Hyundai i30
Renault Clio
VS
Hyundai i30 and Renault Clio go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Hyundai i30 or the …
Ford Puma
Hyundai i30
VS
Ford Puma and Hyundai i30 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Ford Puma or the Hyundai i30 …
Hyundai i30
SEAT Arona
VS
In the compact hatchback segment, the Hyundai i30 stands out with its sleek design and comprehensive feature set, providing a refined driving experience with impressive fuel efficiency. On the other hand, the SEAT Arona, a compact SUV, offers a higher driving position and greater versatility with …
Hyundai i30
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
24,600 - 31,400 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.9 - 6.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
134 - 142 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,315 - 1,435 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
395 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,795 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
445 - 485 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 150 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 - 11.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
172 - 250 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 110 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
998 - 1,598 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Hyundai
Brand
Subaru
Is the Hyundai i30 offered with different drivetrains?

The Hyundai i30 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.