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Subaru Forester vs Mercedes Citan comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 131 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 22,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Mercedes Citan?

Subaru Forester vs Mercedes Citan: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • barely more power
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Mercedes Citan

  • clearly cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • very slightly lighter
  • very slightly 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.

Mercedes Citan is clearly cheaper – starting at 22,400 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,691 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes Citan uses 5.2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.9 L/100km.

Citan

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 barely 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 marginally 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.

Forester

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

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes Citan offers very slightly 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 visibly 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 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 £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
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Frequently compared as well

Mercedes Citan
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Subaru Forester
Mercedes Citan

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 (4 Reviews)
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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.

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.

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Mercedes Citan

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
22,400 - 30,100 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 7.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
19.3 - 20.7 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
265 - 280 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
45 kWh
co2
183 g/km
co2
0 - 167 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

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

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

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,021 - 2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, A
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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.