Verdict
These are both Japan-built C-segment Subarus with AWD, but they split sharply. The Forester is RM222,689 and uses a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with 182 hp and 247 Nm, so the money goes into SUV practicality, 496 litres of boot space, powered front seats and a fuller driver-assist set. The WRX costs RM286,245, gets a 2.4-litre turbo with 271 hp and 375 Nm, and brings a six-speed manual. It is the driver’s car here, but it gives away space, height and safety kit.
Pick the Subaru Forester if you want the more practical AWD Subaru, with a larger boot, rear air vents and more active safety kit.
Pick the Subaru WRX if you want the stronger turbo engine and a six-speed manual more than SUV space or driver-assist equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Forester RM222,689; Subaru WRX RM286,245
- Power and torque: Subaru Forester 182 hp/247 Nm; Subaru WRX 271 hp/375 Nm
- Transmission: Subaru Forester Lineartronic CVT; Subaru WRX 6-speed manual
- Boot space: Subaru Forester 496 litres; Subaru WRX 411 litres
- Size: Subaru Forester 4,655 mm long/1,730 mm tall; Subaru WRX 4,669 mm long/1,468 mm tall
- Road tax: Subaru Forester RM838/year; Subaru WRX RM767/year
Forester
- Larger 496-litre boot versus the WRX’s 411 litres
- Has adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and blind spot info
- Powered front seats, rear air vents, powered boot and 360-degree view monitor
- Much less output: 182 hp and 247 Nm versus 271 hp and 375 Nm
- No six-speed manual; it uses a CVT
WRX
- Far stronger 2.4-litre turbo engine with 271 hp and 375 Nm
- Six-speed manual gearbox
- Lower kerb weight: 1,510 kg versus the Forester’s 1,643 kg
- RM63,556 more expensive than the Forester
- Smaller 411-litre boot and only four doors
- Lacks the Forester’s adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot info and 360-degree view monitor
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 222,689✓ | RM 286,245 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,498 cc | 2,387 cc |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 271 hp✓ |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 375 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer | Flat 4 |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 94 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | 6-speed manual |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Subaru |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.7 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,655 mm | 4,669 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,826 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,672 mm |
| Weight | 1,643 kg | 1,510 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 496 litres✓ | 411 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 245/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 245/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600A |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | SI-Drive and X-Mode | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee & Front Passenger Seat Cushion, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 split folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 3 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 838 | RM 767✓ |
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.
Forester vs WRX FAQ
Is the Subaru Forester or Subaru WRX better?
The Forester is better for family use and safety equipment; the WRX is better for performance and manual-shift driving. The right answer depends on whether boot space and driver assists matter more than 271 hp and 375 Nm.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru WRX is RM63,556 more expensive than the Subaru Forester. The extra spend mainly buys the turbo engine, 271 hp, 375 Nm and six-speed manual gearbox, not more cabin or boot space.
Which one is more practical?
The Subaru Forester is more practical. It has five doors, a 496-litre boot, rear air vents and a powered boot, while the Subaru WRX has four doors and a smaller 411-litre boot.