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Renault Rafale vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (37,700 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Rafale or Subaru Forester?

Renault Rafale vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Renault Rafale

4.9 (7 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • slightly more trunk space

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly cheaper
  • barely lighter

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

Rafale

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.

Subaru Forester is very slightly cheaper – starting at 34,700 £ , while the Renault Rafale costs 37,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,009 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Renault Rafale uses 2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 6.1 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 Renault Rafale offers significantly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 164 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Renault Rafale is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 6.4 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 5.8 s quicker.

Rafale

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is barely lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 1,734 kg. The difference is around 41 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Renault Rafale offers slightly more boot space – 627 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 119 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries very slightly more – 492 kg compared to 444 kg. That’s a difference of about 48 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Renault Rafale is clearly superior 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 £37,700
Rafale

Renault Rafale

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 200 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2 - 5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 97 km
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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Renault Rafale

The Renault Rafale dresses bold coupé-inspired lines around a practical crossover body, turning heads without trying too hard. Inside it serves up a comfortable, well-equipped cabin and engaging driving manners, making it a clever choice for buyers who want a bit of panache with their daily commute.

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Reviews Renault Rafale

4.9 (7 Reviews)
rate
PILI
18 Feb 2026, 08:48:58

Very good car — responsive, supple, comfortable and reasonably economical. Not quite at the German premium level for noise insulation, but very close... Exceptional chassis.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Long-distance driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Martin
4 Dec 2025, 08:40:43

As a Rafale owner, I'm happy with my choice. The car is spacious, feels luxurious, quiet, robust and very efficient at the same time. I also feel more “up to date” compared to the RAV4.

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)
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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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Renault Rafale
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
37,700 - 49,700 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
2 - 5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
97 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
43 - 109 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
1,734 - 2,025 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
539 - 627 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,886 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
415 - 444 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
200 - 300 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.4 - 8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
147 - 221 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Renault
Brand
Subaru
What drive types are available for the Renault Rafale?

The Renault Rafale 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.