Verdict
The Subaru Forester SK is the sensible money play at RM149,788, while the newer Subaru Forester SL asks RM222,689. That RM72,901 jump buys a larger 2,498 cc engine, 28 hp and 51 Nm more, a quicker 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time, AEB and an extra airbag. But the SK is not outclassed on paper: it keeps AWD and a CVT, has the same 2,670 mm wheelbase and carries more luggage, 520 litres against 496 litres. For Malaysia, the SL also doubles the annual road-tax hit to RM838 versus RM438.
Pick the Subaru Forester SK if the RM72,901 saving, 520-litre boot and RM438 road tax matter more than the SL’s extra pace and AEB.
Pick the Subaru Forester SL if you want the newer-generation Forester with 182 hp, 247 Nm, AEB and eight airbags, and accept the RM838 road tax.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Forester SK RM149,788; Subaru Forester SL RM222,689
- Engine: Subaru Forester SK 1,995 cc; Subaru Forester SL 2,498 cc
- Output: Subaru Forester SK 154 hp/196 Nm; Subaru Forester SL 182 hp/247 Nm
- Performance: Subaru Forester SK 10.3 s and 193 km/h; Subaru Forester SL 9.7 s and 205 km/h
- Boot space: Subaru Forester SK 520 L; Subaru Forester SL 496 L
- Safety and road tax: Subaru Forester SK 7 airbags, no AEB, RM438; Subaru Forester SL 8 airbags, AEB, RM838
SK
- Much cheaper to buy
- Bigger 520-litre boot
- Lower RM438 annual road tax
- Less power and torque
- Slower 10.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- No AEB listed
SL
- Stronger 182 hp, 247 Nm engine
- Quicker 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- AEB and 8 airbags
- Costs RM72,901 more
- Smaller 496-litre boot
- Higher RM838 annual road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM149,788✓ | RM222,689 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM438✓ | RM838 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,995 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | 182 hp✓ |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 247 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 84 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Lineartronic | Lineartronic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Subaru | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.3 seconds | 9.7 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h | 205 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 176 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,625 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,815 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | 1,532 kg | 1,643 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 63 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres✓ | 496 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | 17" Full size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental ContiMax MC5 | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | — | SI-Drive and X-Mode |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee & Front Passenger Seat Cushion, Front Side, 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 outer two rear passenger seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For Front Seats only | 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 | 8-way power adjustable driver and passenger seat | 10-way power adjustable driver with memory, 8-way powered adjustment front passenger |
| Rear Seats | Manual reclining, 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 vents | Rear AC vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen with 6 speakers | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless push start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless operation and PIN Code Access | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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 cars for sale
SK vs SL FAQ
Is the Subaru Forester SK or Subaru Forester SL better?
The Subaru Forester SL is better for performance and safety kit, with 182 hp, 247 Nm, AEB and eight airbags. The Subaru Forester SK is the better-value buy if price, boot space and road tax matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester SL costs RM72,901 more than the Subaru Forester SK. The gap takes you from RM149,788 to RM222,689.
Which one is quicker?
The Subaru Forester SL is quicker. It does 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds and tops out at 205 km/h, against the Subaru Forester SK’s 10.3 seconds and 193 km/h.