Jeep Wrangler vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Forester 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 Wrangler and the Subaru Forester.
When we compare the Jeep Wrangler's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the area of new vehicle base pricing. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Wrangler's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler is a better car than the Subaru Forester.
Pricing: For a new model, the Jeep Wrangler's price is between $41,581 and $93,606, with the Subaru Forester priced between $31,497 and $38,867.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Wrangler loses 26.4 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Wrangler retains 8.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Forester.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Wrangler is 8.7 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Wrangler being ranked 8 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Wrangler is 8.5 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Wrangler a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Wrangler’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 180 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Wrangler, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Forester has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,581 - $93,606
Starting MSRP:
$31,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$31,497 - $38,867
Starting MSRP:
$29,695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$28,895 - $30,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$59,331
Price Range:
$37,688 - $97,191
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
19,512
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
608
# Good or Great Deals:
496
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$8,811
Depreciation %:
27.5%
Resale Value $:
$23,184
Residual Value %:
72.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$10,410
Depreciation %:
35.1%
Resale Value $:
$19,285
Residual Value %:
64.9%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
34.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31.9% - 40.2%
Jeep Wrangler Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Wrangler
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Jeep Wrangler Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 16Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 32Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Summary Review
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV with off-road prowess few vehicles can match. The current Wrangler was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $41,959 and 3-year-old models averaging $34,489.
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
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Powerful engine options
- Pricing climbs quickly with higher trims and options
- Fuel economy isn’t great
- Lots of road and wind noise
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, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
Rubicon, Rubicon 392, Rubicon 392 Final Edition, Rubicon X, Sahara, Sport, Sport RHD, Sport S, Willys
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring
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):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 403 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
29.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4012 lbs
Width:
73.9 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
166.8 inches
Wheelbase:
96.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3510 lbs
Width:
81.2 inches
Height:
68.1 inches
Length:
183.3 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clear Coat
Blue
Bikini Pearl Coat / Earl Clear Coat / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Anvil Clear Coat / Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Sarge Green Clear Coat
Pink
Tuscadero Pearl Coat
Red
Firecracker Red Clear Coat
Silver
Silver Zynith Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Yellow
High Velocity Clear Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Horizon Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Pink
Not available
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray