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Mercedes A Class vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (32,600 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes A Class or Subaru Forester?

Mercedes A Class vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Mercedes A Class

3.6 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • clearly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit 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

A Class

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mercedes A Class is barely cheaper – starting at 32,600 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,566 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes A Class uses 2.3 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 5.8 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 Mercedes A Class offers clearly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 285 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes A Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 8.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes A Class delivers considerably more torque with 500 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 318 Nm more.

A Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes A Class is a bit lighter – 1,440 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 253 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 485 kg. That’s a difference of about 7 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes A Class 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 £32,600
A Class

Mercedes A Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.3 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range 85 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes A Class
Mercedes B Class
VS
The Mercedes A‑Class is the sporty, tech‑savvy compact that thrills with sharp handling and a slick cockpit, while the Mercedes B‑Class trades a bit of attitude for towering practicality, roomier seats and a more useful boot. Choose the A‑Class if you want driving fun and style; pick the B‑Class if …
Mercedes A Class
Mercedes GLA
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The Mercedes A‑Class is the sharper, more driver-focused hatch that feels nimble and refined on twisty roads, while the Mercedes GLA trades a bit of agility for SUV practicality with a higher ride height, extra luggage space and a commanding view of the road. Pick the A‑Class for sporty handling, …
Mercedes A Class
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes A Class

The Mercedes A‑Class arrives as a compact charmer that dresses premium materials and a cockpit full of screens in a tidy, city-friendly package, delivering surprising agility and poise. For buyers who want a luxury badge, clever tech and a car that's equally happy in tight streets or on a spirited country run, the A‑Class offers a grown-up feel with a cheeky streak.

details
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Reviews Mercedes A Class

3.6 (2 Reviews)
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Koldo
14 Jul 2026, 15:39:26

It's an elegant and understated car. Excellent material finishes; its two screens are very convenient for driving. Very good acceleration and braking response, great stability and good handling in corners. Good nighttime lighting, a safe, comfortable car and a pleasure to drive and travel in. My car is the A‑Class 200d. Kind regards.

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 (4 Reviews)
rate
Marie-Sophie
6 Jul 2026, 15:22:11

Unfortunately Citroën isn't sold here in the Americas, otherwise I would have chosen the C5.X!

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

Mercedes A Class
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In the battle of sophistication versus practicality, the Mercedes A-Klasse and Nissan Qashqai cater to distinctly different tastes. The Mercedes A-Klasse, with its premium finishes and cutting-edge technology, appeals to those who crave luxury and performance in a compact form. Meanwhile, the …
Nissan X-Trail
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Mercedes A Class
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Mercedes A Class and Peugeot 308 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 Mercedes A Class or …
Mercedes A Class
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Mercedes A Class
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Mercedes A Class
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Mercedes A Class
VW T-Roc
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In this showdown between the Mercedes A-Klasse and the Volkswagen T-Roc, luxury meets versatility. The A-Klasse impresses with its sleek design and advanced tech features, promising an elevated driving experience typical of the Mercedes-Benz badge. Meanwhile, the T-Roc delivers as a compact SUV …
Mercedes A Class
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
32,600 - 66,500 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
85 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 205 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
1,440 - 1,695 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
310 - 350 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,796 - 1,850 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 - 485 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 500 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Subaru
Is the Mercedes A Class offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes A Class is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.