Suv showdown: subaru forester vs grand cherokee – which should you choose?
What To Know
- In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
- The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $26,395, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a starting price of $37,995.
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a better option for drivers who want a more luxurious and powerful SUV with a wider range of engine choices and more advanced off-road features.
The Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee are two popular midsize SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, capability, and style. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or a family-oriented driver, these vehicles are worthy of consideration. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee to help you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Subaru Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient power delivery. The Forester achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a wider range of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 6.4-liter V8. The 3.6-liter V6 is the most fuel-efficient option, delivering 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway when paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Capability and Off-Road Performance
Both the Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer impressive off-road capabilities. The Forester comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability on a variety of surfaces. It also features X-Mode, which optimizes the vehicle’s settings for off-road driving.
The Grand Cherokee is known for its legendary off-road prowess. It offers a choice of three different four-wheel drive systems, including the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. The latter system provides the most advanced off-road performance, featuring an electronic limited-slip differential and a low-range transfer case.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Subaru Forester offers a spacious and well-appointed interior. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and there is ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows. The cargo area is generous, offering 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a more upscale and luxurious interior. The materials are high-quality, and the cabin is well-insulated from road noise. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear seats are spacious and comfortable. The cargo area is also impressive, offering 36.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and up to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Safety Features
Both the Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Forester received a five-star overall safety rating, while the Grand Cherokee received a four-star overall safety rating.
The Forester comes standard with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Grand Cherokee also offers a wide range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive headlights.
Technology and Connectivity
The Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee both offer user-friendly infotainment systems. The Forester’s system features a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Grand Cherokee’s system features an 8.4-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and they offer a variety of features, including navigation, music streaming, and voice control.
Price and Value
The Subaru Forester has a starting price of $26,395, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a starting price of $37,995. The Forester is more affordable, but the Grand Cherokee offers more features and a more upscale interior.
Which One is Right for You?
The Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency, affordability, and off-road capability. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a better option for drivers who want a more luxurious and powerful SUV with a wider range of engine choices and more advanced off-road features.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re considering the Subaru Forester or Jeep Grand Cherokee, you may also want to consider the following alternatives:
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Kia Sorento
- Hyundai Santa Fe
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Which vehicle has a better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has better fuel economy than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Q: Which vehicle has more off-road capability?
A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has more advanced off-road features than the Subaru Forester.
Q: Which vehicle has a more spacious interior?
A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a more spacious interior than the Subaru Forester.
Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?
A: The Subaru Forester is more affordable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Q: Which vehicle has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee have earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA.