Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs Subaru Forester Off-Roading jeepcarus.com The two-seater crossover SUVs are very similar in terms of price and size, but which is better for off-roading? Whether you’re looking for a dependable, high-performance vehicle or something more stylish for everyday use, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a better choice. Both models feature a V6 engine and offer excellent fuel economy, but there are some differences that you should know about before making a final decision.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs Subaru Forester Off-Roading
Standard features
When comparing the standard features of a vehicle, the Grand Cherokee is more impressive. Both of these SUVs have advanced safety features, including Forward Collision Warning, which warns you of a potential front-end collision. If you fail to react quickly, the system can even apply brakes, lessening the impact.
In addition, both vehicles have rear cross-path warning systems, which can alert you of vehicles approaching from behind. A Subaru Forester is missing these features, but it’s not much of a loss.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and Apple CarPlay, while the Forester’s is a 6.2-inch system with a more traditional, analog radio. Both vehicles have standard airbags, including front-seat side-impact airbags and front-seat height adjustable shoulder belts.
Both vehicles offer four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, and an electronic stability system to prevent skidding. Both SUVs offer daytime running lights and lane departure warning systems to ensure your safety.
Both SUVs offer high-quality interiors. In terms of comfort and quality, the Grand Cherokee is much more luxurious than the Forester. Both SUVs offer excellent visibility, and both are quiet. The cabin is also remarkably well-insulated, with high-quality cloth upholstery as standard. Higher-level trims have leather-trimmed seats, and the Forester is available with dual-zone automatic climate control.
Both models can seat five people, and both SUVs have leather-trimmed upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. The Jeep has a surprisingly large cargo hold, while the Subaru has a more modest cargo hold. Both have standard AWD, and both have standard parking sensors and a power outlet.
If you’re looking for a rugged, off-road vehicle, the Jeep Cherokee is more likely to appeal. There’s the Trailhawk trim level and two optional engines that are good for towing a medium trailer.
Both SUVs offer plenty of space for passengers, including a back seat. Both SUVs offer 111.9 cubic feet of passenger room. They both have ample legroom in the rear, and the Jeep’s optional easy tire fill system offers integrated tire pressure sensors that track tire pressure as the vehicle fills. Integrated tire pressure sensors alert the driver if the tires aren’t inflated correctly.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs Subaru Forester Off-Roading – Standard equipment
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Subaru Forester come with many standard safety features, but the Jeep has a few more. For starters, both come standard with Subaru EyeSight technology, which is an intuitive collision-avoidance system available across the board. Both vehicles also come well-stocked with driver-assist features, but the Grand Cherokee comes with more standard safety features than its rival.
When it comes to engine power, the Subaru Forester has a 2.5-litre Boxer engine with serious torque. Combined with the Forester’s continuously variable transmission, the engine provides smooth acceleration. Meanwhile, the Jeep Cherokee’s 2.4-litre engine is no match for the Forester’s 2.0-litre turbo engine, which pumps out 270 horsepower. Both vehicles get excellent fuel economy. And both offer standard all-wheel drive.
Both vehicles are equipped with navigation systems and advanced safety features. The Jeep Cherokee comes with an impressive array of advanced driver-assist features, including Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus. It also offers Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Both vehicles have a 6.5-inch touchscreen for audio, but it’s more difficult to use. The Forester has a 6.2-inch touchscreen, but its smaller screen doesn’t make it much easier to use. For navigation, it’s standard on the Touring and Limited trim levels.
The Grand Cherokee L comes in two hybrid grades: Hybrid L and Hybrid S. Both models offer the same features as the 2.5i-L and Hybrid S, but the base model has two-speed transmission. Unlike the Forester, the Jeep Grand Cherokee also has a standard air suspension. All Grand Cherokee models come standard with a spare full-size 18-inch steel rim.
While the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Subaru Forester share many features, the latter is better for off-road driving. It has a standard all-wheel-drive system, ample ground clearance, and a roomy interior. It offers 35.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, and 76 cubic feet with seatbacks folded. The Subaru Forester offers a continuously variable transmission (CVT) but its only engine is a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder with 182 horsepower. It also offers Android Auto integration.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs Subaru Forester Off-Roading – Fuel economy
In terms of fuel efficiency, both vehicles are comparable. While the Forester has a higher fuel economy than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, both vehicles have excellent gas mileage. The two cars offer similar features, though the Grand Cherokee comes with advanced driver assistance technologies.
Both cars feature side curtain airbags, front and rear crumple zones, and electronic stability control. Both vehicles also feature automatic high beams and lane departure warning. Some trim levels have available technologies such as a 360-degree camera and drowsy driver alert. They also come standard with automatic parking assistance and front and rear parking sensors.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee weighs 924 to 1805 pounds more than the Subaru Forester, but NHTSA recommends that a heavier vehicle be safer in a collision. The Grand Cherokee’s new test is not directly comparable to its pre-2011 test results, but a higher star score is better than a lower one.
The Grand Cherokee has a bigger battery than the Forester, a whopping 850-amps. The Forester’s battery does not match the Grand Cherokee’s, and the Jeep has more dealers in the US than the Subaru dealer in Australia.
The Grand Cherokee offers three engine options. The base 2.4-liter engine delivers 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The 3.2-liter V6 provides more power, but has a lower fuel economy. Both engines pair with a nine-speed automatic. Both vehicles feature good front and rear seating, but cargo capacity is mediocre. The Grand Cherokee’s rear seats fold flat, while the Forester’s cargo space is only 27.6 cubic feet.
Despite the low fuel economy of both vehicles, both cars offer excellent handling and good off-road performance. For example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has an optional four-wheel drive system and an 8.7-inch ground clearance. The Forester has universal all-wheel drive. Neither has a strong engine in the back, but both are capable of moderate off-roading. The Forester’s towing capacity is limited to 1,500 pounds. Ultimately, both vehicles have good gas mileage, but they’re both worth a test drive.
Price
There’s no denying that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a superior off-roader than the Subaru Forester, but the price difference between the two vehicles is significant. The Grand Cherokee is also more powerful than its smaller counterpart, with a V6 engine in both models, while the Forester is a four-banger with a 2.4-litre motor. However, while both vehicles are capable off-roaders, the Grand Cherokee’s engine is simply unbeatable.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has a starting price of $31,995 and the Forester 2.5i Touring costs $24,495 – a difference of $1,050! However, it’s worth noting that the Forester is more economical to drive. In fact, the Forester Touring has many standard luxury features that come as standard on the Grand Cherokee. If you’re looking for a luxury crossover with more features and more power than your current car can offer, the Forester 2.5i Touring is a better choice.
When it comes to price, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is clearly the cheaper option, but that’s not to say the Forester isn’t an excellent option. Both vehicles offer solid performance and high fuel economy, but the Jeep doesn’t offer AWD as an option. Subaru, meanwhile, has an impressive lineup of in-car electronics and an engaging driving experience. You won’t find any complaints about either vehicle, but you might want to check out the Subaru Forester if you’re looking for a new car.
When comparing the two models, make sure to consider the warranty and maintenance plans. The Grand Cherokee comes with a five-year, 100-000-kilometer warranty, and 12 months of complimentary roadside assistance. However, the warranty does need to be renewed yearly, so make sure to have the car serviced regularly. You can also opt for capped price servicing for $399 for the first five years.
While the Jeep Grand Cherokee is capable off-road and on the track, the Subaru Forester has a well-thought-out interior and impressive ride comfort. In terms of driver-assist features, the Grand Cherokee has the edge. There are also two upgrade options on the 3.6-liter engine and a 2.0-liter engine. Both models feature dual-clutch transmissions. While they both are great for long-distance travel, the Subaru is the better choice if you need all-around utility.