Jeep Cherokee vs. Subaru Forester
In comparing the Jeep Cherokee to the Subaru Forester, The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Cherokee versus the Subaru Forester, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep Cherokee versus Subaru Forester Pricing
A used 2023 Jeep Cherokee ranges from $36,995 to $44,255 while a used 2023 Subaru Forester is priced between $29,137 to $39,027. For a new model, the Jeep Cherokee's price is between $38,209 and $45,578, with the Subaru Forester priced between $28,944 and $38,981.
Jeep Cherokee versus Subaru Forester Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.8 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Cherokee being ranked 14 out of 24 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 24. Out of 61 Best Crossover SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee is ranked 61 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 4.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Jeep Cherokee’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 458 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and trunk space. The Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Jeep Cherokee has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance, while the Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering higher payload capacity.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the Jeep Cherokee, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$38,209 - $45,578
Used Asking Price:
$36,995 - $44,255
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
41.7%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$28,944 - $38,981
Used Asking Price:
$29,137 - $39,027
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.4%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Most Reliable Small SUVs
Ranking
9 out of / 24Small SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
12 out of / 24Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
16 out of / 24Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
19 out of / 61Ranking
19 out of / 61Ranking
27 out of / 61Ranking
32 out of / 61Ranking
46 out of / 61iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 24Most Reliable Small SUVs
Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 24Small SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
8 out of / 24Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value
Ranking
11 out of / 61Ranking
11 out of / 61Ranking
16 out of / 61Summary Review
The Jeep Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in 1974. The current generation, introduced in 2014, was given an exterior update in 2019, along with some added engine options. The Cherokee is best known for its fuel economy, off-road capability, and family friendly design. New models cost an average of $32,172 and 3-year-old models average $22,989.
Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Pros and Cons
- Suspension capable for both on-road and off-road use
- Excellent infotainment touchscreen and user interface
- Smart interior design and comfort
- Base engines feel underpowered
- Wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Cargo capacity is limited compared to rivals
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Altitude Lux, Trailhawk
Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing Capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
332 / 458 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
432 / 548 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
128.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3875 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
