Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the Subaru Forester SK is the rational used-generation choice: RM149,788 buys the same five-seat, all-wheel-drive C-segment SUV layout, with a larger 520-litre boot and a full-size spare. The Subaru Forester SL costs RM222,689, a RM72,901 jump, but brings a 2.5-litre boxer engine with 182 hp and 247 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 10.3 to 9.7 seconds. Its RM838 annual road tax versus RM438 matters, yet the SL’s autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera make the extra spend tangible.
Pick the Subaru Forester SK if you want the lower entry price, RM400 lower annual road tax, a 520-litre boot and a full-size spare tyre.
Pick the Subaru Forester SL if you want 182 hp, 247 Nm, Subaru safety assistance and a more fully equipped cabin.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru Forester SK RM149,788; Subaru Forester SL RM222,689.
- Engine output: SK 154 hp and 196 Nm from 1,995 cc; SL 182 hp and 247 Nm from 2,498 cc.
- Performance: SK 0-100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and 193 km/h; SL 9.7 seconds and 205 km/h.
- Boot and spare: SK 520 litres with a 17-inch full-size spare; SL 496 litres with a space-saver.
- Safety assistance: SK has no autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist; SL has autonomous braking and steering correction.
- Infotainment: SK has an 8-inch touchscreen with six speakers; SL has an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
SK
- RM72,901 cheaper to buy
- 520-litre boot and full-size spare
- RM438 annual road tax
- 154 hp and 196 Nm trail the SL's 182 hp and 247 Nm
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or steering correction
- Only passive cruise control and a reversing camera
SL
- 182 hp, 247 Nm and 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control
- 360-degree camera, powered boot and 11.6-inch touchscreen
- RM72,901 more expensive
- RM838 annual road tax
- 496-litre boot and space-saver spare
| 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 at 6,000 rpm | 182 hp at 5,800 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 247 Nm at 3,700 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 84 mm × 90 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 | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 8 (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 equipped and quicker, with 182 hp, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The Subaru Forester SK is the smarter value choice if its 154 hp output, passive cruise control and reversing camera suit your needs.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester SL costs RM72,901 more than the Subaru Forester SK. It also carries RM838 annual road tax, compared with RM438 for the SK.
Which Forester has more boot space?
The Subaru Forester SK has the larger boot at 520 litres, 24 litres more than the Subaru Forester SL's 496 litres. The SK also gets a 17-inch full-size spare, while the SL uses a space-saver.