Verdict
Just RM2,689 separates these Japanese-built C-segment SUVs: the Subaru Forester costs RM222,689, while the Toyota bZ4X is RM220,000. The bZ4X is the quicker and more spacious-feeling choice on paper, with 224 hp, 269 Nm, a 2,850 mm wheelbase and a claimed 525 km EV range; its RM200 annual road tax also undercuts the Forester’s RM838. But the Forester brings all-wheel drive, a 496-litre boot and a space-saver spare, making it the more practical pick for buyers who need traction beyond tarmac and do not want to plan charging stops.
Pick the Subaru Forester if all-wheel drive, a 496-litre boot and a space-saver spare matter more than EV running costs and straight-line pace.
Pick the Toyota bZ4X if you can charge regularly and want 525 km claimed range, 7.4-second 0-100 km/h pace and lower RM200 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Forester RM222,689; Toyota bZ4X RM220,000.
- Power and torque: Forester 182 hp and 247 Nm; bZ4X motor 224 hp and 269 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Forester 9.7 seconds; bZ4X 7.4 seconds.
- Driveline: Forester all-wheel drive; bZ4X front-wheel drive.
- Wheelbase and boot: Forester 2,670 mm and 496 litres; bZ4X 2,850 mm and 452 litres.
- Road tax: Forester RM838 per year; bZ4X RM200 per year.
Forester
- All-wheel drive with SI-Drive and X-Mode.
- 496-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre.
- Higher 205 km/h top speed.
- Slower 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 7.4 seconds.
- RM838 annual road tax versus RM200.
- Shorter 2,670 mm wheelbase versus 2,850 mm.
bZ4X
- 525 km claimed EV range from a 73.1 kWh battery.
- 224 hp, 269 Nm motor and 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 150 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging capability.
- Front-wheel drive rather than the Forester's all-wheel drive.
- 452-litre boot is 44 litres smaller.
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare tyre.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM222,689 | RM220,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM838 | RM200✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 2,498 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | — |
| Torque | 247 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 224 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 269 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 73.1 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 525 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 150 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.7 seconds | 7.4 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,655 mm | 4,690 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,860 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm | 1,650 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Weight | 1,643 kg | 2,020 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 496 litres✓ | 452 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front Centre, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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 outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation & Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 2 Wireless Chargers, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Panoramic Roof Shade |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 14" Display Audio with Touch Screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Battery, Inverter and PCU |
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.
Used Forester & bZ4X for sale
Forester vs bZ4X FAQ
Is the Subaru Forester or Toyota bZ4X better?
The bZ4X is better for buyers with reliable charging, thanks to 525 km claimed range, quicker acceleration and lower road tax. Choose the Forester if all-wheel drive, the larger 496-litre boot and a spare tyre are more important.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester costs RM222,689 and the Toyota bZ4X costs RM220,000, so the Forester is RM2,689 more expensive.
Which has more luggage space?
The Forester has the larger boot at 496 litres, compared with 452 litres in the bZ4X. It also carries a space-saver spare, while the Toyota uses a tyre repair kit.