Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vs. Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 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 Unlimited and the Subaru Forester.
When comparing the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 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 areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's and the Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a better car than the Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ranges from $33,196 to $73,274 while a used 2022 Subaru Forester is priced between $24,443 to $34,292.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited loses 23.7 percent of its value and the Subaru Forester loses 34.5 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited retains 10.8 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 Unlimited 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 Unlimited being ranked 5 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 Unlimited is 8.4 out of 10. For the Subaru Forester the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Subaru Forester.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Subaru Forester base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Wrangler Unlimited is rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 495 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 548 miles. This gives the Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder 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:
$43,112 - $70,692
Starting MSRP:
$34,045
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$34,578
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,400 - $40,325
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$26,293
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,445 - $29,995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$45,110
Price Range:
$33,196 - $73,274
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$35,283
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,514 - $50,162
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,147
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34,439
# Good or Great Deals:
592
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,909
Price Range:
$24,443 - $34,292
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$26,469
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$21,890 - $30,299
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,268
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
36,982
# Good or Great Deals:
133
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 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 Unlimited
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.6 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
44.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
8.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9 - 11.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
18.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.3 - 18.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
6.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.5 - 16.4
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
26 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 / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Trim Levels
High Altitude, High Tide, Rubicon, Rubicon 392, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, Sport, Sport Altitude, Sport RHD, Sport S, Willys, Willys Sport
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 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:
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.068 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):
0.053 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):
366 / 495 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
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
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 Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
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:
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:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
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
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 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:
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:
4167 lbs
Width:
73.9 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
188.4 inches
Wheelbase:
118.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.7 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 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clear Coat
Blue
Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Brown
Gobi Clear Coat
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat / Sting-Gray Clear Coat
Green
Sarge Green Clear Coat
Pink
Tuscadero Pearl Coat
Red
Firecracker Red Clear Coat / Snazzberry Pearl 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
Brown
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Cascade Green Silica
Pink
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Black/Heritage Tan
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Gray
Gray
