Verdict
The Subaru Forester costs RM222,689 and brings a 182 hp, 247 Nm 2.5-litre petrol engine, 496-litre boot and a space-saver spare. The Volvo EC40 is RM26,199 dearer, yet its 235 hp, 420 Nm electric motor cuts the 0-100 km/h time from 9.7 to 7.3 seconds while road tax drops from RM838 to RM220 yearly. Its 70 kWh battery claims 488 km of range and accepts 200 kW DC charging. The Forester suits buyers needing the larger boot; the EC40 makes the stronger case for lower annual road tax and EV performance.
Pick the Subaru Forester if you need its 496-litre boot, 63-litre petrol tank and space-saver spare tyre.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want 420 Nm electric-motor torque, a 488 km claimed range and RM220 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Forester RM222,689; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Power and torque: Forester 182 hp/247 Nm; EC40 235 hp/420 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Forester 9.7 seconds; EC40 7.3 seconds.
- Annual road tax: Forester RM838; EC40 RM220.
- Boot space: Forester 496 litres; EC40 413 litres.
- Charging/range: Forester has a 63-litre petrol tank; EC40 has a 70 kWh battery, 488 km range and 200 kW DC charging.
Forester
- 496-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre.
- 182 hp 2.5-litre petrol engine with all-wheel drive.
- 10-way power driver’s seat with memory and 8-way power front passenger seat.
- Slower 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time versus 7.3 seconds.
- RM838 annual road tax versus RM220.
- No front parking sensors or auto parking; the EC40 has six front sensors and auto parking.
EC40
- 235 hp and 420 Nm electric motor with 7.3-second 0-100 km/h.
- 488 km claimed range, 11 kW AC and 200 kW DC charging.
- Auto high beam, front foglamps, navigation and auto parking.
- RM26,199 higher purchase price.
- 413-litre boot is 83 litres smaller than the Forester’s.
- Tyre repair kit instead of the Forester’s space-saver spare tyre.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM222,689✓ | RM248,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM838 | RM220✓ |
| 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 | — | 235 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 488 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.7 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,655 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,830 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,643 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 496 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | SI-Drive and X-Mode | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee & Front Passenger Seat Cushion, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| 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 | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| 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 (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | No |
| 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/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 & EC40 for sale
Forester vs EC40 FAQ
Is the Subaru Forester or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is better for performance and lower annual road tax, with 235 hp, 420 Nm, a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time and RM220 road tax. Choose the Forester for its larger 496-litre boot and space-saver spare.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EC40 costs RM26,199 more than the Subaru Forester. That gap brings a 70 kWh battery, 488 km claimed range, 200 kW DC charging and a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
Which has the better long-distance practicality?
The EC40 has a 488 km claimed EV range and 200 kW DC charging, while the Forester has a 63-litre petrol tank. For luggage, the Forester wins with 496 litres of boot space against 413 litres.