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Mercedes Citan vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (131 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (22,400 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes Citan or Subaru Forester?

Mercedes Citan vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Mercedes Citan

  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • only slightly lighter
  • marginally more trunk space

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly more power
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h

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

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

Citan

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 Citan is substantially cheaper – starting at 22,400 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,262 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes Citan uses 5.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.9 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 Subaru Forester offers very slightly more power – delivering 136 HP compared to 131 HP. That’s roughly 5 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Subaru Forester is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 12.2 s, while the Mercedes Citan takes 13 s. That’s about 0.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes Citan delivers clearly more torque with 270 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 88 Nm more.

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, Mercedes Citan is only slightly lighter – 1,556 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 137 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes Citan offers marginally more boot space – 551 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 43 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes Citan carries clearly more – 644 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 152 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes Citan is far ahead overall 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 £22,400
Citan

Mercedes Citan

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Diesel, Electric
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 95 - 131 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.2 - 7.4 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 19.3 - 20.7 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 265 - 280 km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes Citan

The Mercedes Citan is a clever urban van that dresses sensible practicality in a surprisingly premium suit, making light work of deliveries and family duties without feeling like a workhorse. With a calm, car-like driving feel, clever interior packaging and the Mercedes badge up front, it’s a smart pick for buyers who want function with a touch of luxury and a wink of personality.

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Reviews Mercedes Citan

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.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 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.

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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
22,400 - 30,100 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 7.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
19.3 - 20.7 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
265 - 280 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
45 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 167 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
High Roof Estate
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,556 - 2,010 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
0 - 551 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
4,498 - 4,922 mm
Length
-
Width
1,859 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
1,811 - 1,830 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,979 - 3,660 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 644 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 131 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
13 - 15.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
132 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 270 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
70 - 96 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,461 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,021 - 2,024
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Subaru
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes Citan have?

The Mercedes Citan 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.