If you are deciding between an SUV or something more wagon-like, you may find yourself in the battle: Subaru Outback vs Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both are adventure-capable, AWD-equipped, and family comfy. But they are wildly different in price, power, and purpose. In this article, we dissect the two and their main differences to give you an idea of which SUV would be perfect for you.
Cost, space, safety, performance, fuel use, towing, off-road ability, tech features. Whether you’re road-tripping or gear-hauling, this guide will help you pick your next vehicle.
Subaru Outback vs Jeep Grand Cherokee Pricing Comparison
The Subaru Outback is cheaper than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. A 2024 base Outback begins at about $30,000. Even top trims such as the Wilderness or the Touring XT don’t crest the $45,000 mark.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, begins at $38,000. The top models, such as those with the Summit or Trailhawk trim, can go for as much as $65,000 or more. If price is your primary concern, the Outback is your winner. It offers solid features and AWD without the luxury price tag.
Size and Interior Space
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is larger all over. It measures about 193 inches long, and stands more than 70 inches tall. The Subaru Outback is a few inches shorter, at 191 inches long and 66 inches tall. It also makes the Outback easier to park and more car-like to drive.
Both SUVs seat five people. The Outback even has a smidgen more rear legroom compared to the Jeep. Both also have a particularly robust cargo area: 75.6 cubic feet in the Outback and about 70.8 cubic feet in the Grand Cherokee.
If you need more room inside and expect to haul a lot of stuff, they’re both excellent—but the Outback uses space a little more efficiently.
Safety: Who Is the Safest?
Both vehicles are extremely safe, though the Subaru Outback is a stand-out in this area. It received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. All come with Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, which incorporates lane-keep assist, auto emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee also possesses modern safety aspects. Those include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and emergency braking. That said, some security options are restricted to pricier trims.
If you value safety more and want it standard, the Outback is the better choice.
Performance and Engine Options of Subaru Outback vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Subaru Outback is available with two engines. The base 2.5L engine produces 182 horsepower, while the turbo version provides 260 horsepower. It’s smooth to drive and quick enough, especially with the turbo.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee starts with a 293-horsepower V6 engine. There’s also a stout V8 option with up to 357 horsepower and a 4xe hybrid model that has 375 horsepower and far better torque.
If you are after stronger acceleration and more muscle for hauling, the Grand Cherokee has you covered. For daily driving and comfort, however, the Outback leaves little wanting for most people.
Fuel Economy: Save on Gas
This is where the Subaru Outback comes in. The base engine is good for up to 33 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway, and approximately 26 mpg in the city. Even the turbo engine gets decent gas mileage, around 30 mpg highway.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is heavier and uses more fuel. The V6 achieves around 22 mpg combined; the V8, 17–18 mpg. The 4xe hybrid is a fuel saver, if you charge it often, but it’s much more expensive.
Keep your Subaru on the road, not at the pump, for those long hauls.
Towing Power
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has way more strength if you need it for towing a trailer or boat. The V6 iteration can tow up to 6,200 pounds, while the V8 can pull as much as 7,200 pounds.
The Subaru Outback pulls a maximum of 3,500 pounds with its turbo engine. The base engine is rated to tow only about 2,700 pounds.
So if you’re planning to tow—say, go camping with a big trailer—the Grand Cherokee would be the wise choice. But for light hauling, the Outback will be fine.
Off-Road Ability
Both crossovers are proficient on dirt, snow, and trails. The Subaru Outback has all-wheel drive as standard and a feature called X-Mode, which aids traction on slippery surfaces. It also has about 8.7 inches of ground clearance, or 9.5 inches in the Wilderness version.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, is more serious about off-roading. It has a number of 4×4 systems, high-clearance air suspension, and Trailhawk trims able to tackle rocky terrain and deep mud. It also offers sand, snow, and rock settings, among others.
If your weekend involves challenging trails or serious off-roading, the Jeep is the better choice. But the Outback is perfectly capable of snow, gravel tracks, and light off-road fun.
Technology Features
Both cars are tech-savvy. In higher trims, the Subaru Outback sports a supersize 11.6-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also available with high-end technology. It features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone features, and even an optional screen for the front passenger. High-end trims are equipped with a premium McIntosh sound system and other luxury tech.
If it’s top-tier gadgets you crave, the Grand Cherokee has you covered. But the Outback provides all the essentials most drivers need.
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Dependability and Long-Term Costs
The Subaru Outback has a strong reliability history. It’s known to last long with fewer costly repairs. Insurance and maintenance are also less expensive than for most midsize SUVs.
The Grand Cherokee is capable, but it’s generally more expensive to maintain. And it may even face more issues down the road. So for longer-term ownership, the Outback might be the more reliable pick.
Final Word: Which SUV is the Best Buy?
Who comes out on top in this Subaru Outback vs Jeep Grand Cherokee match-up?
Choose the Subaru Outback if:
- You want a lower price
- Fuel savings matter to you
- You don’t have to pull heavy trailers
- You’re looking for a dependable, safe SUV for daily driving
- You enjoy light off-road adventures and winter driving
Go for the Jeep Grand Cherokee if:
- You need serious towing power
- Off-road trails are part of your lifestyle
- You want more luxury and stronger engine options
- You’re okay spending more for premium features
Both the Subaru Outback and Jeep Grand Cherokee have their strengths. One offers smart value and efficiency. The other delivers brute power and off-road might. It all comes down to your driving needs and what features you value most.
Now that you’ve read the information, you decide!
