Verdict
The Subaru Forester SL is the more complete Malaysian family SUV if the extra RM51,701 is within reach: its 2.5-litre boxer makes 182 hp and 247 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 11.8 to 9.7 seconds, while boot space rises from 422 to 496 litres. It also brings autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The SJ remains the sensible used-buy proposition: its 2.0-litre engine is slower, but it is 148 kg lighter, rides on smaller 17-inch wheels and retains a sunroof and front foglamps.
Pick the Subaru Forester SJ if a lower entry cost, a 1,495 kg kerb weight and its power sunroof matter more than active safety and performance.
Pick the Subaru Forester SL if you want 182 hp, a 496-litre boot and the added reassurance of autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Engine output: SJ 148 hp and 198 Nm; SL 182 hp and 247 Nm.
- Acceleration: SJ 0-100 km/h in 11.8 seconds; SL in 9.7 seconds.
- Dimensions: SJ is 4,595 mm long with a 2,640 mm wheelbase; SL is 4,655 mm with a 2,670 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: SJ 422 litres; SL 496 litres.
- Wheels and weight: SJ has 17-inch alloys and weighs 1,495 kg; SL has 18-inch alloys and weighs 1,643 kg.
- Safety kit: SJ has seven airbags and no autonomous braking; SL has eight airbags, autonomous braking and blind-spot monitoring.
SJ
- 148 kg lighter than the SL
- Power sliding, tilt-adjustable sunroof
- Front foglamps
- 148 hp and 198 Nm trail the SL's 182 hp and 247 Nm
- Smaller 422-litre boot versus 496 litres
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control
SL
- 182 hp, 247 Nm and a 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- 496-litre boot
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control with stop and go
- 148 kg heavier than the SJ
- No sunroof or front foglamps
- Larger 18-inch wheels than the SJ's 17-inch set
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM170,988✓ | 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 | 148 hp at 6,200 rpm | 182 hp at 5,800 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 198 Nm at 4,200 rpm | 247 Nm at 3,700 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | Boxer 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 84 mm × 90 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | — |
| 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 | 11.8 seconds | 9.7 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 192 km/h | 205 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 182 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,595 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,795 mm | 1,830 mm |
| Height | 1,735 mm | 1,730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,640 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Weight | 1,495 kg | 1,643 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litres | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 422 litres | 496 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R17 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (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 Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Chassis Notes | — | SI-Drive and X-Mode |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Front, side, curtain, driver's knee airbags) | 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 | Both 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 Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Xenon reflector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Normal bulb | 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 | 60:40 one-touch split folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone automatic climate control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | Power sliding, tilt-adjustable | — |
| Power Sockets | Centre tray, centre console box, boot | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 1 Wireless Charger |
| Interior Lighting | Map, room | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | Two front, two in rear armrest | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 2-DIN audio, CD, AUX with 6 speakers | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | All four windows, driver 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 | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | 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
SJ vs SL FAQ
Is the Subaru Forester SJ or Subaru Forester SL better?
The Subaru Forester SL is better equipped and materially quicker, with 182 hp, a 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time, eight airbags and active safety systems. Choose the SJ only if its lighter weight, sunroof and lower purchase cost suit your priorities.
What is the price difference?
The gap is RM51,701. That money buys the SL's larger 2.5-litre engine, 74-litre larger boot, 18-inch wheels, additional airbag, driver-assistance systems, 11.6-inch touchscreen and powered boot.
Which Forester has more luggage space?
The Subaru Forester SL does, with 496 litres versus the Subaru Forester SJ's 422 litres. The SL also has a 63-litre fuel tank, compared with 60 litres in the SJ.
