Verdict
The RM59,189 price gap is hard to ignore because both Foresters are C-segment five-seat CBU petrol SUVs with AWD, a CVT, AEB and a five-year warranty. The Subaru Forester SL fights back with a 2,498 cc engine making 182 hp and 247 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 9.7 seconds. But its RM838 road tax is steep next to the Subaru Forester SK Facelift’s RM438, and the SK also has the larger 520-litre boot.
Pick the Subaru Forester SK Facelift if you want the lower-cost Forester with cheaper road tax, more boot space and published 7.6 L/100 km economy.
Pick the Subaru Forester SL if you want the stronger 2.5-litre engine, quicker acceleration and eight airbags.
Key differences
- Engine: Subaru Forester SK Facelift 1,995 cc; Subaru Forester SL 2,498 cc
- Output: Subaru Forester SK Facelift 154 hp/196 Nm; Subaru Forester SL 182 hp/247 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: Subaru Forester SK Facelift 10.3 s; Subaru Forester SL 9.7 s
- Top speed: Subaru Forester SK Facelift 193 km/h; Subaru Forester SL 205 km/h
- Boot space: Subaru Forester SK Facelift 520 L; Subaru Forester SL 496 L
- Road tax: Subaru Forester SK Facelift RM438/year; Subaru Forester SL RM838/year
SK Facelift
- Lower RM438 annual road tax
- Larger 520-litre boot
- Published 7.6 L/100 km fuel economy
- Less power at 154 hp and 196 Nm
- Slower 10.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Seven airbags versus eight in the SL
SL
- Stronger 2,498 cc engine with 182 hp and 247 Nm
- Quicker 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- Eight airbags
- Higher RM838 annual road tax
- Smaller 496-litre boot
- No stated fuel economy or CO2 figure
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM163,500✓ | 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 with 7-speed manual mode | 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 | 1,544 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 | Full size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport | 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 | X-Mode | SI-Drive and X-Mode |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | — |
| 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 two outer rear passenger seats | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For Front Seats only | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Steering responsive headlamps | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 AC 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" Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation and PIN Code Access | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | 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 Facelift vs SL FAQ
Is the Subaru Forester SK Facelift or Subaru Forester SL better?
The Subaru Forester SK Facelift is the sensible pick for most buyers thanks to cheaper road tax, a bigger boot and the lower price. The Subaru Forester SL is better if you prioritise 182 hp, 247 Nm and a 9.7-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru Forester SL costs RM59,189 more than the Subaru Forester SK Facelift.
Which one is more practical?
The Subaru Forester SK Facelift has the larger boot at 520 litres versus 496 litres. Both have five seats, a 2,670 mm wheelbase and a 63-litre fuel tank.
