Subaru Forester vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Subaru Forester and Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 Subaru Forester and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
When we compare the Subaru Forester's and the Jeep Grand Cherokee's specifications and ratings, 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, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the advantage in the areas of interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Jeep Grand Cherokee's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Pricing: A used 2025 Subaru Forester ranges from $35,568 to $45,694 while a used 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is priced between $47,727 to $72,537. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $37,165 and $46,234, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee priced between $52,243 and $72,562.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 39.5 percent of its value and the Jeep Grand Cherokee loses 55 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 15.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.2 out of 10 while the Jeep Grand Cherokee's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 4 out of 31 Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs and the Jeep Grand Cherokee being ranked 5 out of 31. Out of 36 Best Hybrid SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is ranked 10.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.0 out of 10. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 194 horsepower, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee base engine makes 375 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 564 miles. The Grand Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 481 miles. This gives the Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Forester uses regular unleaded, and the Grand Cherokee uses electricity, regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Subaru Forester and the Jeep Grand Cherokee have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
52243 - 72562
Starting MSRP:
60490
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
48413
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
37800 - 60490
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
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
57817
Price Range:
47727 - 72537
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:
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
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
33496
Depreciation %:
0.55374955
Resale Value $:
26994
Residual Value %:
0.44625044999999997
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.38635449
Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
0.32753242 - 0.55374955
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Jeep Grand Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
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:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Grand Cherokee
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:
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.285872675449776
Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)
2.2 - 7.9
Subaru Forester Rankings
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32 out of / 36Jeep Grand Cherokee Rankings
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1 out of / 31Ranking
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4 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
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6 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 36Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 14Ranking
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11 out of / 14Ranking
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12 out of / 14Ranking
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35 out of / 36Summary 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.
Summary Review
The two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee combines go-anywhere capability with a high level of luxury. One of Jeep’s most popular models, the Grand Cherokee is available as a basic, affordable off-road SUV or a $90K high-performance variant, with several options in-between.
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
Pros and Cons
- Huge selection of trims
- Unmatched performance on 707 hp Trackhawk trim
- Capable of towing up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped
- No green (hybrid/electric) trims available
- Aging platform
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Limited Hybrid, Premium Hybrid, Sport Hybrid, Touring Hybrid
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels
4xe, Anniversary Edition 4xe, Overland 4xe, Summit 4xe, Summit Reserve 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe Carb State Package
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
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
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:
194 hp
Torque:
Not yet available
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
375 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque:
470 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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
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):
23 / 24 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
462 / 481 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, 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
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
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
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Cargo Space:
37.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
70.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.6 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
5368 lbs
Width:
84.6 inches
Height:
70.8 inches
Length:
193.5 inches
Wheelbase:
116.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/60R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
River Rock Pearl
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Daybreak Blue Pearl
Gold
Brilliant Bronze Metallic
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Autumn Green Metallic
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Brown
Not available
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Midnight Sky
Gold
Not available
Gray
Baltic Gray Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Not available
Red
Velvet Red Pearl Coat
Silver
Silver Zynith Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Brown
Rocky Mountain Pearl Coat
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Global Black
Gray
Not available
Beige
Global Black/Wicker Beige
