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Subaru Forester vs Dacia Duster comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 158 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 16,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Dacia Duster?

Subaru Forester vs Dacia Duster: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
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Dacia Duster

4.6 (4 Reviews)
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  • clearly cheaper
  • somewhat more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • noticeably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
  • barely 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

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Dacia Duster is clearly cheaper – starting at 16,300 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 18,857 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Dacia Duster uses 4.7 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.4 L/100km.

Duster

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Dacia Duster offers somewhat more power – delivering 158 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 22 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Duster is noticeably quicker – completing the sprint in 9.4 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Dacia Duster delivers visibly more torque with 230 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 48 Nm more.

Forester

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, Dacia Duster is noticeably lighter – 1,377 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 316 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Dacia Duster offers barely more boot space – 517 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 9 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries very slightly more – 492 kg compared to 453 kg. That’s a difference of about 39 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Dacia Duster 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 £16,300
Duster

Dacia Duster

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 115 - 158 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
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Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Dacia Jogger
VS
Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Dacia Jogger comes down to whether you want a compact SUV with stronger on-road and light off-road ability or a stretched estate focused on space and family practicality. The Duster favours higher ground clearance and a tougher presence, while the Jogger …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Sandero
VS
The Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are budget-friendly staples from the same brand, but they serve very different needs: the Duster is a compact SUV with higher ground clearance and more interior space, while the Sandero is a practical, economical hatchback ideal for city driving. This comparison …
Subaru Forester
Dacia Duster

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

Dacia Duster

The Dacia Duster is a straightforward, budget-friendly SUV that prioritizes practicality and value over flashy features. Its rugged styling and simple, roomy interior make it a sensible choice for buyers who want capable everyday transport without paying for extras they won’t use.

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Reviews Dacia Duster

4.6 (4 Reviews)
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Dave
11 May 2026, 00:08:47

As a previous owner of a manual 1998 Suzuki Vitara (two door), I was thrilled when the Duster was announced. The Bigster seems like a safer (and less adventurous) alternative to the Duster.

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
Buh
14 Dec 2025, 22:40:05

I find the difference between the two very minimal.
And for almost €20k more 💶 I would absolutely not choose the Tiguan.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Value for Money

Frequently compared as well

Dacia Duster
Opel Frontera
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The Dacia Duster is the sensible new-school pick — affordable, economical and surprisingly well packaged with modern safety and infotainment for the money; the Opel Frontera, meanwhile, is a proper old-school body-on-frame bruiser that still appeals to buyers who prize simple, rugged off-road …
Dacia Duster
Dacia Bigster
VS
The Dacia Duster is a compact, proven SUV that’s affordable and easy to live with; the Dacia Bigster is a bigger, more modern model focused on space and family practicality. This comparison will help you weigh size, interior comfort, engines, equipment and running costs so you can pick the right …
Dacia Duster
Renault Symbioz
VS
This quick comparison pits the practical, budget‑minded Dacia Duster against Renault’s forward‑looking Symbioz concept. The Duster is a compact SUV built around affordability, ruggedness and simple, proven technology, while the Symbioz is a showpiece electric concept focused on advanced …
Dacia Duster
Renault Captur
VS
Choosing between the Dacia Duster and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you prioritise rugged value or urban refinement. The Duster is a no‑nonsense, spacious SUV with strong off‑road ability and low running costs, while the Captur focuses on stylish design, a smoother on‑road ride and more …
Dacia Duster
Kia Sportage
VS
The Dacia Duster is the no-frills, mud-loving bargain that happily chews up trails and your monthly payments, while the Kia Sportage counters with slick tech, a plush cabin, and the sort of refinement that makes long commutes feel shorter. If your wallet leads, pick the Duster; if your senses do, …
Dacia Duster
Suzuki Vitara
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The Dacia Duster is known for no-nonsense value and roomy practicality, while the Suzuki Vitara offers a more polished drive and a stronger equipment list. This comparison will highlight where each SUV shines — from running costs and interior space to technology and on-road manners — so you can …
Dacia Duster
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
The Dacia Duster and the Toyota Yaris Cross are two popular compact SUVs that take very different approaches: the Duster (commonly just "Duster") focuses on rugged practicality and strong value, while the Toyota Yaris Cross (often "Yaris Cross") prioritises refinement, hybrid efficiency and …
Citroen C3 Aircross
Dacia Duster
VS
In the fiercely competitive subcompact SUV segment, the Citroen C3 Aircross stands out with its bold design and customizable interior options, appealing to urban drivers seeking both style and practicality. Meanwhile, the Dacia Duster offers remarkable value for money, boasting robust off-road …
Subaru Forester
Dacia Duster

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
16,300 - 24,900 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
107 - 140 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
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
1,377 - 1,559 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,813 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
402 - 453 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,789 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Dacia
What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is offered with 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.