Jeep Cherokee vs. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Jeep Cherokee and the Subaru Outback.
When we compare the Jeep Cherokee's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Cherokee's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Jeep Cherokee.
Pricing: A used 2023 Jeep Cherokee ranges from $20,926 to $34,774 while a used 2023 Subaru Outback is priced between $24,495 to $35,500. For a new model, the Jeep Cherokee's price is between $33,191 and $45,185, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,559 and $44,148.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Cherokee loses 50.3 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 6.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Jeep Cherokee.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.4 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Cherokee being ranked 14 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 2 out of 19. Out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs, the Jeep Cherokee is ranked 38 and the Subaru Outback is ranked 3.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Cherokee is 7.5 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 7.8 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Jeep Cherokee.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Cherokee’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback 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 Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Cherokee. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Outback 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 cargo space. The Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Outback 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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33191 - 45185
Starting MSRP:
37695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23610 - 37695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32559 - 44148
Starting MSRP:
28395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23610 - 37695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
24899
Price Range:
20926 - 34774
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
26187
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
21318 - 30705
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
270
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42560
# Good or Great Deals:
95
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30005
Price Range:
24495 - 35500
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
26187
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
21318 - 30705
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1348
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
55724
# Good or Great Deals:
694
Jeep Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Cherokee
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.087
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4631234937934832
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.3 - 17.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.246222962889322
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.3 - 17.9
Jeep Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Ranking
52 out of / 66Ranking
54 out of / 66Ranking
56 out of / 66Ranking
59 out of / 66Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 54Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 18Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 54Summary 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 Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
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
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels
Altitude Lux, Trailhawk
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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 Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 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 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 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:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat / Sting-Gray Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
