This article compares the Subaru Forester 2025 and Toyota Vanguard, two popular SUVs in Kenya and Tanzania. It explores their prices, engine performance, fuel economy, and features, offering a side-by-side comparison to help buyers choose. Whether you prefer Subaru’s AWD reliability or Toyota’s spacious comfort, this guide provides key insights for an informed decision.
Subaru Forester vs Toyota Vanguard Side-by-Side Comparison
Subaru Forester
Toyota Vanguard
Generations 6 1
Production Year 1997 - Present 2007 - 2013
Performance 148Hp - 276Hp
196Nm - 3/63Nm148Hp - 276Hp
196Nm - 3/63Nm
170Hp - 280Hp
224Nm - 344Nm
Fuel Consumption 8km/l - 15km/l 9.8Km/l - 10.8km/l
Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)/All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Key Features EyeSight Driver Assist,
Hill Descent Control,
Spacious Interior &
Large Cargo Area, Large Cargo Space,
Dual-Zone Climate Control,
Spacious 7-Seater Configuration,
Seating Capacity 5 5-7
Subaru Forester Price
(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of February 2025)
| Subaru Forester 2019 | US $ 11,020 – US $ 22,230 |
| Subaru Forester 2021 | US $ 14,570 – US $ 27,340 |
| Subaru Forester 2024 | US $ 21,280 – US $ 28,920 |
Toyota Vanguard Price
(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of February 2025)
| Toyota Vanguard 2007 | US $ 4,340 – US $ 7,960 |
| Toyota Vanguard 2012 | US $ 4,670 – US $ 9,490 |
| Toyota Vanguard 2013 | US $ 4,550 – US $ 9,490 |
Best Suited for
Subaru Forester
- Adventure Enthusiasts – Ideal for those who enjoy off-road trips and exploring rough terrains.
- Safety-Conscious Drivers – Buyers prioritize Subaru’s EyeSight safety features and AWD stability.
- Fuel-Efficient Seekers – Those wanting an SUV with good fuel economy for daily commutes.
- Tech-Savvy Users – Individuals who appreciate modern infotainment and driver-assist systems.
- All-Weather Commuters – Perfect for drivers needing reliable performance in diverse road conditions.
If you’re interested in the latest Forester model, check out our detailed review of the All-New Subaru Forester 2025, featuring e-Boxer hybrid technology for enhanced efficiency and power.
Toyota Vanguard
- Family-Oriented Drivers – Ideal for those needing a spacious SUV with three-row seating for family trips.
- Comfort Seekers – Buyers who prioritize a smooth ride and premium interior features.
- Urban & Highway Commuters – Perfect for long drives with reliable performance.
- Toyota Reliability Fans – Those who value durability and resale value.
- Cargo Space Seekers – Great for individuals needing extra room for luggage or business use.
People also read:
Toyota Harrier vs Subaru Forester: SUV Comparison (2024 Update)
Fuel Consumption & Engine
Subaru Forester
- The Subaru Forester 2025 is built for efficiency and performance, offering a balance between fuel economy and power. Its engine and fuel consumption make it a great choice for both city driving and off-road adventures.
- Engine: The Subaru Forester 2025 features a 2.5L flat-4 Boxer engine, delivering approximately 180 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque.
- Fuel Efficiency: With Subaru’s AWD system and CVT, it achieves an estimated 7.5L/100km (13.3 km/L) in combined city and highway driving.
Hybrid Option: A 2.0L inline-4 hybrid variant may also be available, improving fuel efficiency while maintaining Subaru’s signature AWD capability.
Toyota Vanguard
The Toyota Vanguard offers a balance between power and efficiency, making it a reliable choice for families and long-distance drivers. Its engine options provide both performance and fuel economy suited for urban and highway driving.
- Engine: The Toyota Vanguard’s engine options include a 2.4L inline-4 (2AZ-FE) producing 170 hp and a 3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) generating 280 hp for those seeking more power.
- Fuel Efficiency: The 2.4L variant averages 9.3L /100km (10.8 km/L), while the V6 consumes about 10.2L/100km (9.8 km/L).
- Transmission: Equipped with a CVT or a 5-speed automatic, ensuring smooth and efficient performance.
People also read:
10 Subaru Cars with Great Fuel Economy
Exterior
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester 2025 boasts a rugged yet modern exterior, making it perfect for urban and off-road adventures. Its design is functional and stylish, with thoughtful details for aesthetics and performance.
- Front Design: Bold grille with sleek LED headlights, emphasizing Subaru’s rugged appeal.
- Body Shape: Compact yet spacious SUV, offering a balance between urban maneuverability and off-road capability.
- Ground Clearance: Raised height for better off-road clearance, enhancing visibility and performance on rough terrains.
- Wheels: 17-inch alloys that complement its sturdy design.
Toyota Vanguard
The Toyota Vanguard features a sleek yet commanding exterior, blending elegance with practicality. Its design emphasizes aerodynamics, space, and durability.
- Front Fascia: A bold chrome-accented grille with sharp HID headlights for a premium look.
- Body Structure: A streamlined yet muscular SUV shape, enhancing stability and presence.
- Ground Clearance: Elevated stance for improved off-road capability and urban versatility.
- Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels, adding to its sporty yet refined appeal.
People also read:
Subaru Forester vs Toyota Mark X Comparison
Interior
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester offers a comfortable and tech-packed interior, designed for both practicality and driving pleasure.
- Cabin Space: Spacious seating with ample legroom, ideal for families and long trips.
- Infotainment System: A large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
- Material Quality: Soft-touch surfaces and durable upholstery for a refined feel.
- Cargo Capacity: Generous cargo space with foldable rear seats for added versatility.
Toyota Vanguard
The Toyota Vanguard offers a spacious, premium interior designed for comfort and practicality.
- Seating Capacity: Available in 5- or 7-seater configurations, perfect for families or extra passengers.
- Infotainment System: Features a touchscreen with Bluetooth and navigation for a connected driving experience.
- Material Quality: Leather upholstery in higher trims, enhancing luxury.
- Cargo Space: Ample storage with foldable rear seats for extra luggage capacity.
People also read:
Nissan X-Trail vs Subaru Forester Comparison
Which is more reliable, the Subaru Forester or the Toyota RAV4?
The Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 are known for reliability, but the RAV4 has a stronger reputation for long-term durability and lower maintenance costs.
- Subaru Forester: Offers superior AWD capability and safety features but may face oil consumption issues in older models.
- Toyota RAV4: Known for excellent reliability, fuel efficiency, and lower repair costs, though some models have stiff ride quality complaints.
For long-term dependability, the RAV4 edges out, but the Forester excels in off-road stability and winter performance.
Writer’s Perspective
The Subaru Forester and Toyota Vanguard cater to different SUV buyers, each excelling in key areas.
The Forester stands out with its legendary AWD system, making it an excellent choice for off-road and all-weather driving. It offers great safety features, fuel efficiency, and practicality, though older models had oil consumption concerns.
The Toyota Vanguard, on the other hand, is a spacious, comfortable SUV with reliable Toyota engineering. Its V6 engine option delivers more power, making it ideal for long highway drives and families needing extra space.
Both SUVs are solid choices—Forester for adventure seekers, and Vanguard for comfort and practicality.
Final Verdict
The Subaru Forester and Toyota Vanguard serve different SUV buyers. The Forester excels in AWD performance, fuel efficiency, and safety, making it ideal for adventure seekers and all-weather drivers. Meanwhile, the Vanguard offers more space, a powerful V6 option, and a comfortable ride, making it better suited for families and long-distance travel.
If you prioritize off-road capability and efficiency, the Forester is the better choice. If you need more seating, cargo space, and a smooth drive, the Vanguard stands out as the superior option.
I am a Telecom & ICT specialist with a career spanning over 15 years in the demanding Tanzanian telecom industry.
I am also an avid DIYer with a good knack for everything technical and a wealth of vocational skills, with automotive being the top, and here I am writing about cars.
In 2017 a guy created a WhatsApp group called MyCar for the sole purpose of members helping each other with all matters regarding cars. I joined this group in 2018, and with my enormous wealth of knowledge regarding cars, and my readiness to share the knowledge with others, I became a top contributor, and that didn’t go unnoticed, as one member thought I was a potential writer and had contacts with Be Forward Japan who were looking for writers then. Fast forward to January 2020, I began writing for the Be Forward blog with 2024 being my fourth year.
As far as I can remember, I love cars, and growing up in the farming and tourist city of Arusha Tanzania in the ’80s and ’90s, I ended up being drawn to the Ranger Rover Classic for leisure and Land Cruiser 70 pickup as a workhorse. These were tough cars then, cars that could take you anywhere any time no matter the weather.
