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 comparing 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, overall quality score and base engine power. 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 and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Wrangler's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Jeep Wrangler ranges from $41,946 to $68,355 while a used 2025 Subaru Forester is priced between $35,568 to $45,694. For a new model, the Jeep Wrangler's price is between $48,834 and $69,778, with the Subaru Forester priced between $37,165 and $46,234.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Wrangler loses 37.9 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 39.5 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Wrangler retains 1.6 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 8.4 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Wrangler being ranked 5 out of 36 Best Hybrid SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 8 out of 36.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Wrangler is 8.2 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.0 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 375 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 194 horsepower. The Wrangler is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 365 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 564 miles. This gives the Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler uses electricity, regular unleaded, and the Forester uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Jeep Wrangler, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room and cargo space.
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:
48834 - 69778
Starting MSRP:
50695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37165 - 46234
Starting MSRP:
36595
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
35699
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
28495 - 44565
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
55923
Price Range:
41946 - 68355
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
51507
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
40518 - 65239
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
40574
Price Range:
35568 - 45694
Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
39518
Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
33748 - 52824
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
10513
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
922
# Good or Great Deals:
415
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
19410
Depreciation %:
0.38286872
Resale Value $:
31285
Residual Value %:
0.61713128
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
14536
Depreciation %:
0.39721732
Resale Value $:
22059
Residual Value %:
0.60278268
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.36835733
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
0.30618901 - 0.53124407
Jeep Wrangler Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Wrangler
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
11.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
7.5 - 14.5
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.2016226315772536
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
14.991300032850205
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
3.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Compact SUVs)
2.2 - 19.5
Jeep Wrangler Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 17Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 14Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 14Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 32Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 14Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 36Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
32 out of / 36Summary 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, Hybrid
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
Backcountry 4xe, Rubicon 4xe, Rubicon X 4xe, Sahara 4xe, Sport S 4xe, Willys '41 4xe, Willys 4xe
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Limited Hybrid, Premium Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Touring Hybrid
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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
375 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
470 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.074 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
194 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 20 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
365 / 365 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
35 / 34 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
581 / 564 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
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
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
Paddle Shifters:
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
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
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
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
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
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:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Cargo Space:
27.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
67.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
131 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Cargo Space:
27.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
69.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
134.1 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5049 lbs
Width:
73.9 inches
Height:
73.5 inches
Length:
188.4 inches
Wheelbase:
118.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
10.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3873 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:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P255/60R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clear Coat
Blue
Fathom Blue Pearl Coat / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Anvil Clear Coat / Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Green
'41 / Mojito! Clear Coat
Orange
Joose
Red
Firecracker Red Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Beige
Not available
Gold
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Autumn Green Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
White
Crystal White Pearl
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Gold
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
