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Pick up to 3 cars to see how they stack up on score, price and specs.

Subaru ForesterSubaru OutbackMazda CX-5
Mandai score
7/10
8.5/10
7/10
Typical price
KSh 4,200,000
KSh 4,150,000
KSh 3,200,000
Years
2018-2023
2017-2023
2017-2023
Body type
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Mid-size SUV
Fuel
Petrol, Hybrid
Petrol
Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Doors
5
5
5
Most popular trim
Forester Touring / Sport / Premium / e-Boxer Advance
Outback Limited / Touring / X-Break / XT 2.4 Turbo
CX-5 2.2 XD L Package / 2.0 20S / 2.5 25S

Fuel and running cost

Trim
Subaru Forester 2.5L / 1.8T / 2.0L e-Boxer
Subaru Outback 2.5L / 2.4T
Fuel consumption
17.0 km/L5.9 L/100km combined · about 1071 km a tank
14.0 km/L7.1 L/100km combined · about 882 km a tank
19.5 km/L5.1 L/100km combined · about 1131 km a tank
Running cost
KSh 1,335 / 100 kmKSh 13 a km · KSh 13,351 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,621 / 100 kmKSh 16 a km · KSh 16,211 for 1,000 km · petrol
KSh 1,168 / 100 kmKSh 12 a km · KSh 11,680 for 1,000 km · diesel

Dimensions

Length
4,625 mm
4,870 mm
4,550 mm
Width
1,815 mm
1,875 mm
1,840 mm
Height
1,730 mm
1,675 mm
1,690 mm
Wheelbase
2,670 mm
2,745 mm
2,700 mm
Ground clearance
220 mm
213 mm (BS) / 220 mm (BT)
210 mm
Boot space
520 L (1,775 L folded)
522 L (1,800 L folded)
506 L (1,620 L folded)
Kerb weight
1,570 kg
1,620 kg
1,610 kg
Seats
5
5
5

Specifications

Engine
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 1.8L CB18 DIT Turbo
2.5L FB25 Direct Injection Boxer / 2.4L FA24 Turbo
2.2L SkyActiv-D Twin-Turbo Diesel / 2.5L SkyActiv-G
Power
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 177 hp (1.8T)
182 hp @ 5,800 rpm (2.5L) / 260 hp (2.4T)
190 hp (2.2D) / 188 hp (2.5L)
Torque
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 300 Nm (1.8T)
239 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (2.5L) / 376 Nm (2.4T)
450 Nm (2.2D) / 252 Nm (2.5L)
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
FWD or i-Activ AWD
0–100 km/h
8.2 sec
8.6 sec (2.5L) / 6.3 sec (2.4T)
8.2 sec
Top speed
204 km/h
210 km/h
204 km/h

Fuel economy

Combined
14.2 km/L (2.5L) / 15.2 km/L (1.8T) / 17.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
14.0 km/L (2.5L) / 11.8 km/L (2.4T)
19.5 km/L (2.2D) / 14.5 km/L (2.0L/2.5L)
City
11.8 km/L (2.5L) / 12.5 km/L (1.8T) / 15.0 km/L (e-Boxer)
11.2 km/L (2.5L) / 9.2 km/L (2.4T)
16.0 km/L (2.2D) / 11.8 km/L (Petrol)
Highway
16.8 km/L (2.5L) / 18.0 km/L (1.8T) / 18.5 km/L (e-Boxer)
16.5 km/L (2.5L) / 14.5 km/L (2.4T)
22.0 km/L (2.2D) / 16.8 km/L (Petrol)
Tank size
63 L
63 L
58 L (FWD) / 56 L (AWD)
CO₂ emissions
152 g/km
161 g/km
142 g/km

At a glance

Model
Subaru Forester (SK Series)
Subaru Outback (BS / BT Series)
Mazda CX-5 (KF Series)
Production years
2018–2023
2017–2023
2017–2023
Body type
SUV / Crossovers
Estate Crossover Tourer
5-Door Mid-Size Crossover SUV
Seating capacity
5
5
5
Fuel types
Petrol, e-Boxer Hybrid
Petrol
Clean Diesel, Petrol
Engine sizes
1,795 cc (1.8T CB18) / 1,995 cc (2.0L e-Boxer) / 2,498 cc (2.5L FB25)
2,498 cc (2.5L FB25) / 2,387 cc (2.4T FA24)
1,997 cc (2.0L) / 2,191 cc (2.2L Diesel) / 2,488 cc (2.5L)
Transmission
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
Automatic (Lineartronic CVT)
6-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD)
FWD or i-Activ AWD
Ground clearance
220 mm
213 mm (BS) / 220 mm (BT)
210 mm
Source market
Japan / UK (RHD)
Japan / UK (RHD)
UK / Japan (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.
  • Exceptional long-distance ride comfort: Plush suspension absorbs upcountry road ripples effortlessly.
  • High 213–220 mm ground clearance: Easily tackles unpaved murram roads, ruts, and deep puddles.
  • Sub-2,500 cc KRA tax advantage: Both 2.5L and 2.4T engines qualify for 25% excise tax bracket.
  • High 210 mm ground clearance handles unpaved roads and potholes easily.
  • Sub-2,500 cc KRA import duty tax bracket advantage.
  • Massive 450 Nm torque on 2.2L diesel.
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.
  • Long 4.87-meter overall length: Requires care when parallel parking in tight Nairobi streets.
  • Lineartronic CVT under towing: Demands auxiliary CVT fluid cooler for heavy trailer towing.
  • Diesel DPF requires low-SAPS C3 oil.
  • Firm ride on 19-inch L Package alloy wheels.
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