Suv supremacy: subaru crosstrek vs jeep cherokee, who will emerge victorious?

In the realm of compact SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek and the Jeep Cherokee stand out as two formidable contenders. Both offer a blend of ruggedness, versatility, and modern amenities, making them ideal choices for adventure-seekers and urban explorers alike. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, there are several key factors to consider. This comprehensive guide will compare the Subaru Crosstrek vs Jeep Cherokee in various aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Subaru Crosstrek exudes a sleek and sporty aesthetic, with its sharp lines and aerodynamic silhouette. Its exterior features include black fender flares, a raised ride height, and standard roof rails, giving it a rugged yet refined appearance.

In contrast, the Jeep Cherokee presents a more traditional SUV design with a boxy shape and a prominent grille. It offers a variety of trim levels, each with its own unique styling cues, ranging from the rugged Trailhawk to the luxurious Limited.

Interior Comfort and Space

The Crosstrek’s interior is spacious and well-appointed, offering comfortable seating for five passengers. The dashboard is user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display and intuitive controls. Cargo space is ample, with 55.3 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats folded down.

The Cherokee’s interior is equally spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cabin is well-equipped with premium materials and advanced technology, including a large infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof. Cargo capacity is slightly larger than the Crosstrek, offering up to 56.9 cubic feet of storage.

Performance and Handling

The Crosstrek is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Crosstrek’s handling is nimble and responsive, making it a pleasure to drive on both paved and unpaved roads.

The Cherokee offers a wider range of engine options, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a 3.2-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. All models come standard with all-wheel drive, while the Trailhawk trim features an advanced off-road system with a low-range transfer case. The Cherokee’s handling is stable and confident, providing a comfortable ride both on and off-road.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many drivers. The Subaru Crosstrek excels in this area, offering an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The Jeep Cherokee’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine option chosen. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine achieves up to 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the 3.2-liter V6 has an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Safety Features

Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Jeep Cherokee have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Crosstrek comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Cherokee also offers a comprehensive range of safety technologies, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning.

Technology and Connectivity

The Crosstrek and Cherokee offer a wide range of technology and connectivity features to keep you entertained and connected on the road.

The Crosstrek’s infotainment system features a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium audio system. The Cherokee’s Uconnect infotainment system is equally impressive, with a user-friendly interface, voice recognition, and a variety of connected services.

Price and Value

The Subaru Crosstrek has a starting price of $23,545. The Jeep Cherokee‘s starting price is slightly higher, at $27,490. However, the Cherokee offers a wider range of trim levels and options, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific needs and budget.

The Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?

Choosing between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Jeep Cherokee depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you value fuel efficiency, nimble handling, and a spacious interior, the Crosstrek is an excellent choice. Its advanced safety features and user-friendly technology make it a well-rounded package for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.

However, if you seek a more rugged SUV with a wider range of engine options and a more traditional design, the Jeep Cherokee is a strong contender. Its off-road capabilities and premium interior make it an ideal choice for those who demand both style and substance.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both models and experience their unique strengths and characteristics firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?
A: The Jeep Cherokee, especially the Trailhawk trim, offers superior off-road performance with its low-range transfer case and advanced traction control systems.

Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has better fuel economy than the Jeep Cherokee, offering up to 34 mpg on the highway.

Q: Which SUV has a larger interior?
A: The Jeep Cherokee has slightly more interior space than the Subaru Crosstrek, offering more headroom and legroom for passengers.

Q: Which SUV has better technology features?
A: Both the Subaru Crosstrek and the Jeep Cherokee offer a range of technology features, but the Cherokee’s Uconnect infotainment system is generally considered to be more user-friendly and feature-rich.

Q: Which SUV is more affordable?
A: The Subaru Crosstrek has a lower starting price than the Jeep Cherokee. However, the Cherokee offers a wider range of trim levels and options, which can affect the overall cost.