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Subaru Forester vs Suzuki Vitara comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 184 HP), boot space and price (34,700 £ vs 23,600 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Suzuki Vitara?

Subaru Forester vs Suzuki Vitara: Key differences

Subaru Forester

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more trunk space

Suzuki Vitara

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • noticeably more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter

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

Forester

The Battle of the SUVs: Subaru Forester vs Suzuki Vitara

In the ever-competitive SUV segment, the Subaru Forester and Suzuki Vitara stand out as two compelling choices for consumers seeking a blend of comfort, efficiency, and rugged capability. Both vehicles have carved their niches by integrating modern technology with traditional automotive values, but how do they stack up against each other? Let's delve into the technical aspects, performance, and innovative features of these anticipated models.

Vitara

Design and Dimensions

The Subaru Forester is built for those who appreciate spacious interiors and robust design. With a length of 4640 to 4670 mm, a width of 1815 to 1830 mm, and a height of 1730 mm, it offers significant cargo space with a trunk capacity of 508 to 509 liters. Meanwhile, the Suzuki Vitara presents a more compact profile at 4185 mm in length, 1775 mm in width, and 1595 mm in height. Its trunk capacity ranges from 289 to 375 liters, making it an ideal choice for city dwellers with occasional family outings.

Forester

Performance and Power

The Subaru Forester comes with a 1995 cm3 engine coupled with a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) system, producing between 136 and 150 horsepower, and a torque range from 182 to 194 Nm. It utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with an all-wheel drive setup, ensuring steady and reliable traction across terrains, reaching a top speed of 188 km/h.

The Suzuki Vitara offers more drivetrain choices with its Petrol MHEV and full hybrid options, producing between 116 to 129 horsepower, and delivering a torque of 235 Nm. The Vitara allows drivers to choose between manual and automated manual transmissions and has both front-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, achieving a top speed of 180 to 190 km/h.

Vitara

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Efficiency is where these SUVs diverge significantly. The Subaru Forester records a fuel consumption rate of 8.1 L/100km with CO2 emissions of 183 to 185 g/km, classified under the CO2 Efficiency Class G. On the other hand, the Suzuki Vitara shines with a superior fuel consumption spanning 5 to 5.6 L/100km and substantially lower CO2 emissions between 113 to 129 g/km, earning it a CO2 Efficiency Class of C to D, depending upon the variant.

Forester

Interior and Comfort

Both vehicles comfortably seat five passengers. The Forester puts a greater emphasis on maximizing internal space, featuring advanced seating configurations and a larger payload capacity ranging from 446 to 527 kg. In comparison, the Vitara offers a payload capacity of 375 to 395 kg, catering to those who appreciate functional interiors without excessive opulence.

Vitara

Verdict

The Subaru Forester stands as a robust choice for those who need a larger vehicle with reliable all-wheel performance and are ready to accept a slightly higher fuel consumption. Conversely, the Suzuki Vitara might appeal to drivers seeking a more economical ride with flexible drivetrain options and lower emissions. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend significantly on the buyer's specific needs and lifestyle preferences.

Whether you prioritize the rugged dependability of the Subaru Forester or the nimble efficiency of the Suzuki Vitara, both models offer modern drivers a suite of features and technologies to satisfy their diverse requirements in today's motoring landscape.

Frequently compared as well

Suzuki S-Cross
Suzuki Vitara
VS
Suzuki’s compact crossover siblings square off: S-Cross vs Vitara. One leans practical and polished, the other flirts with adventure—let’s find out which Suzuki deserves your driveway and your fuel money.
Suzuki Vitara
Toyota Yaris Cross
VS
Suzuki Vitara is the chunky, no-nonsense compact SUV that gives you more space, a tougher look and better off-road chops for less cash, while the Toyota Yaris Cross is the clever, hybrid-savvy city slicker that prioritises efficiency, refinement and tech. Pick the Vitara if you want practicality …

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

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Suzuki Vitara is substantially cheaper – starting at 23,600 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,134 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Suzuki Vitara uses 5 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.1 L/100km.

Vitara

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 Suzuki Vitara offers noticeably more power – delivering 184 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 48 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Suzuki Vitara is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 7.4 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 4.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Suzuki Vitara delivers significantly more torque with 307 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 125 Nm more.

Forester

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, Suzuki Vitara is markedly lighter – 1,255 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 438 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers clearly more boot space – 508 L compared to 375 L. That’s a difference of about 133 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries slightly more – 492 kg compared to 425 kg. That’s a difference of about 67 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Suzuki Vitara is decisively ahead 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 £23,600
Vitara

Suzuki Vitara

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, Electric
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 110 - 184 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5 - 5.9 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 344 - 426 km
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Subaru Forester
Suzuki Vitara

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

4.4 (4 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.

Suzuki Vitara

The Vitara is a city-smart SUV with a cheeky streak of off-road promise, perfect for drivers who want practicality without pretense. It’s honest, easy to live with and surprisingly likeable, a sensible companion for everyday adventures and weekend escapes.

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Vitara_9

Reviews Suzuki Vitara

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Jolanta
4 Feb 2026, 09:37:41

A very pleasant car for an affordable price. The only downside is poorly soundproofed doors and windows.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Polet
14 Jan 2026, 00:08:10

Proven reliability — it’s sold on every continent, and a real pleasure as a 4x4.

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
Alejandro
15 Nov 2025, 18:50:42

After trying both, I chose the Vitara for everyday use. In my view, its balance of performance, quality and price is superior.

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Subaru Forester
Suzuki Vitara

Costs and Consumption
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Price
23,600 - 36,800 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
344 - 426 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
0 - 138 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
47 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
1,255 - 1,935 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
289 - 375 L
Length
-
Length
4,185 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,775 - 1,800 mm
Height
-
Height
1,595 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,046 - 1,120 L
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
375 - 425 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
110 - 184 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.4 - 12.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 - 190 km/h
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
193 - 307 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
81 - 135 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,373 - 1,462 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E, A
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Suzuki
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.