Compare cars
Pick up to 3 cars to see how they stack up on score, price and specs.
Subaru ForesterMercedes-Benz GLC250Nissan X-Trail
Mandai score
7/10
8/10
7/10
Typical price
KSh 4,200,000
KSh 4,800,000
KSh 3,450,000
Years
2018-2023
2017-2023
2017-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid
Petrol
Petrol, Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Automatic, CVT
Doors
5
5
5
Most popular trim
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
GLC250 4MATIC AMG Line
X-Trail 20X 4WD / Hybrid / e-Power e-4ORCE
Fuel and running cost
Trim
Subaru Forester 2.5L / 1.8T / 2.0L e-Boxer
Nissan X-Trail 2.0L Petrol / e-Power
Fuel consumption
17.0 km/L5.9 L/100km combined · about 1071 km a tank
13.5 km/L7.4 L/100km combined · about 891 km a tank
19.8 km/L5.1 L/100km combined · about 1188 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,335 / 100 kmKSh 13 a km · KSh 13,351 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,681 / 100 kmKSh 17 a km · KSh 16,812 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,146 / 100 kmKSh 11 a km · KSh 11,463 for 1,000 km · petrol
Dimensions
Length
4,625 mm
4,656 mm
4,690 mm
Width
1,815 mm
1,890 mm
1,820 mm
Height
1,730 mm
1,644 mm
1,740 mm
Wheelbase
2,670 mm
2,873 mm
2,705 mm
Ground clearance
220 mm
180 mm
210 mm
Boot space
520 L (1,775 L folded)
550 L (1,600 L with seats folded)
565 L (5-seater) / 135 L (7-seater expanded to 950 L)
Kerb weight
1,570 kg
1,735 kg
1,570 kg
Seats
5
5
5 or 7
Specifications
Engine
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
2.0L M274 Turbocharged Inline-4
2.0L MR20DD 4-Cylinder Petrol / 1.5L VC-Turbo e-Power
Power
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
147 hp @ 6,000 rpm (2.0L) / 213 hp e-4ORCE combined
Torque
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
350 Nm @ 1,200–4,000 rpm
207 Nm @ 4,400 rpm / 330 Nm electric torque
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
4MATIC Permanent AWD
FWD or All-Mode 4x4-i / e-4ORCE AWD
0–100 km/h
8.2 sec
7.3 sec
10.5 sec (2.0L) / 7.0 sec (e-4ORCE)
Top speed
204 km/h
222 km/h
190 km/h
Fuel economy
Combined
14.2 km/L (2.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8T) / 17.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
13.5 km/L
16.0 km/L (2.0L) / 19.8 km/L (e-Power)
City
11.8 km/L (2.5L) / 12.5 km/L (1.8T) / 15.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
11.0 km/L
13.5 km/L (2.0L) / 19.0 km/L (e-Power)
Highway
16.8 km/L (2.5L) / 18.0 km/L (1.8T) / 18.5 km/L (e-Boxer)
16.0 km/L
18.2 km/L (2.0L) / 20.5 km/L (e-Power)
Tank size
63 L
66 L
60 L
CO₂ emissions
152 g/km
152 g/km
142 g/km
At a glance
Model
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
Mercedes-Benz GLC250 4MATIC (X253 Series)
Nissan X-Trail (T32 / T33 Series)
Production years
2018–2023
2017–2023
2017–2023
Body type
SUV / Crossovers
5-Door Executive Compact SUV
SUV / Crossovers
Seating capacity
5
5
5 or 7
Fuel types
Petrol, e-Boxer Hybrid
Petrol (Turbocharged Direct Injection)
Petrol, Hybrid (e-Power)
Engine sizes
1,795 cc (1.8T CB18) / 1,995 cc (2.0L e-Boxer) / 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25)
1,991 cc
1,497 cc (1.5T e-Power) / 1,997 cc (2.0L MR20DD)
Transmission
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic
Automatic (CVT / e-CVT)
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
4MATIC Permanent All-Wheel Drive
FWD or All-Mode 4x4-i / e-4ORCE AWD
Ground clearance
220 mm
180 mm
210 mm
Source market
Japan / UK (RHD)
Japan (RHD)
Japan / UK (RHD)
Pros and cons
What’s good
- Class-leading 220 mm ground clearance: Conquers deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and rough upcountry tracks.
- Symmetrical AWD with Dual X-Mode: Exceptional mud, snow, and deep gravel traction.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: All 1.8T, 2.0L, and 2.5L engines qualify for 25% excise tax rate.
- Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: 2.0L engine qualifies for 25% excise tax bracket, saving huge customs duties.
- Refined 9G-TRONIC transmission: 9 gear ratios deliver smooth acceleration and quiet 1,400 rpm highway cruising.
- Prestige cabin craftsmanship: Artico leather upholstery, Burmester surround audio, and MBUX infotainment.
- Selectable All-Mode 4x4-i / e-4ORCE: Lockable 4WD mode provides excellent mud and sand traction.
- High 210 mm ground clearance: Easily clears deep ruts and unpaved upcountry tracks.
- Sub-2,000 cc KRA tax advantage: Qualifies for 25% excise duty rate (saving over 3.0L SUVs).
What’s not so good
- Lineartronic CVT response: CVT engine revs during heavy highway mountain passes.
- EyeSight windshield camera care: Requires specialized recalibration if windscreen is replaced.
- Firmer ride on 19/20-inch AMG rims: AMG Line low-profile tires transmit road firmness over unpaved estate roads.
- Specialized Mercedes maintenance: Demands MB 229.5 spec synthetic oil and specialized Star Diagnostic scanners.
- Third-row legroom: 7-seater third row is best reserved for children or short trips.
- CVT fluid service interval: Xtronic CVT requires genuine NS-3 fluid replacement every 40,000 km.