Jeep Wrangler Unlimited vs. Subaru Forester
When we compare the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to the Subaru Forester, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, 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. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited versus the Subaru Forester, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited versus Subaru Forester Pricing
A one- to five-year-old used Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ranges from $33,947 to $52,994 while a used Subaru Forester from the same model year range is priced between $23,362 to $34,063. For a new model, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's price is between $40,780 and $82,783, with the Subaru Forester priced between $29,698 and $38,813.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited versus Subaru Forester Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is 8.8 out of 10 while the Subaru Forester's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited being ranked 3 out of 24 Best Small SUVs and the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 24. Out of 14 Best Small SUVs for the Money, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is ranked 14 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 4.
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. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, and trunk 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.
Hauling, Towing, and Off-Road Capabilities Comparison
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has the advantage of offering higher ground clearance, while the Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering higher payload capacity.
Safety Ratings Comparison
The Subaru Forester has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Subaru Forester has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$40,780 - $82,783
Used Asking Price:
$33,947 - $52,994
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
10.4%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$29,698 - $38,813
Used Asking Price:
$23,362 - $34,063
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
38.4%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
3 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
19 out of / 24iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 61Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 24Ranking
4 out of / 14Ranking
8 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 61Ranking
16 out of / 61Summary Review
Not yet available
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
Not yet available
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
Diesel, Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Trim Levels
Rubicon, Sport RHD, Rubicon FarOut, Rubicon 392, Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sport Altitude, Freedom, High Tide, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, High Altitude
Trim Levels
Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, Touring
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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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 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:
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
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
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:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
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:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.8 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:
4196 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