Renault Koleos vs Subaru Forester
Verdict
At RM191,888 against RM222,689, the Renault Koleos is RM30,801 cheaper yet gives you the larger boot, longer wheelbase and slightly quicker 0-100 km/h time. The Subaru Forester answers with all-wheel drive, more power and torque, eight airbags and auto emergency braking. Both are CBU petrol C-segment SUVs with CVT automatics and five-year warranties, so this is not a basic-versus-premium fight. It is space and price against traction and safety kit.
Pick the Renault Koleos if you want the lower price, 542-litre boot and front-drive simplicity.
Pick the Subaru Forester if all-wheel drive, eight airbags and auto emergency braking matter more than the RM30,801 saving.
Key differences
- Price: Renault Koleos RM191,888; Subaru Forester RM222,689
- Driven wheels: Renault Koleos front-wheel drive; Subaru Forester all-wheel drive
- Power and torque: Renault Koleos 171 hp/226 Nm; Subaru Forester 182 hp/247 Nm
- Boot space: Renault Koleos 542 litres; Subaru Forester 496 litres
- Safety: Renault Koleos 6 airbags/no AEB listed; Subaru Forester 8 airbags/AEB
- Size: Renault Koleos 4,672 mm long/2,705 mm wheelbase; Subaru Forester 4,655 mm long/2,670 mm wheelbase
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 191,888✓ | RM 222,689 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 2,488 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Power | 171 hp | 182 hp✓ |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 247 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 9.5 s✓ | 9.7 s |
| Top speed | 200 km/h | 205 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 8.1 L/100km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,672 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,843 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,678 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Boot space | 542 L✓ | 496 L |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 8✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5 | 5 |
| Road tax / year | RM 830✓ | RM 838 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Koleos
- RM30,801 lower purchase price
- Bigger 542-litre boot
- Quicker 9.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Front-wheel drive only
- Six airbags versus the Subaru's eight
- No auto emergency braking listed
Forester
- All-wheel drive included
- Stronger 182 hp and 247 Nm outputs
- Eight airbags and auto emergency braking
- Costs RM30,801 more
- Smaller 496-litre boot
- Slightly slower 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time
Koleos vs Forester FAQ
Is the Renault Koleos or Subaru Forester better?
The Subaru Forester is better for traction and safety kit thanks to all-wheel drive, eight airbags and AEB. The Renault Koleos is the sharper buy for price and luggage space, with a 542-litre boot and RM30,801 lower price.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester costs RM30,801 more than the Renault Koleos. Road tax is almost the same: RM838 a year for the Subaru and RM830 for the Renault.
Which SUV has more boot space?
The Renault Koleos has the bigger boot at 542 litres. The Subaru Forester has 496 litres, so the Renault gives you an extra 46 litres for luggage.