Jeep Grand Cherokee or Subaru Outback: Find Your Perfect Adventure Companion

February 3rd, 2025 by

When shopping for a capable SUV, two popular contenders often make the list: the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Subaru Outback. Both vehicles are celebrated for their versatility, performance, and comfort. Let’s compare these two SUVs to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

Performance and Capability

Jeep Grand Cherokee:

  • Designed for serious off-road enthusiasts, the Grand Cherokee offers a variety of engine options, including a powerful V8 and a hybrid 4xe variant.
  • Features Jeep’s legendary 4×4 systems, making it perfect for tackling rugged trails, snow, or any demanding terrain.
  • Offers an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds, ideal for hauling trailers, boats, or campers.
  • Off-road-specific trims like the Trailhawk come equipped with advanced suspension and terrain management systems for unparalleled capability.

Subaru Outback:

  • Equipped with Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Outback excels in maintaining stability on slippery roads and light off-road trails.
  • Offers two engine options: a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder and a turbocharged 2.4L for extra power.
  • While capable, its off-road abilities are less advanced compared to the Grand Cherokee, making it better suited for light adventures.
  • Towing capacity is capped at 3,500 pounds, limiting its utility for larger trailers.

Interior Comfort and Space

Jeep Grand Cherokee:

  • A premium interior with options for leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and ambient lighting that elevate the driving experience.
  • Available with a three-row Grand Cherokee L variant, offering seating for up to seven passengers—a great option for larger families.
  • Advanced technology includes a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available rear-seat entertainment.
  • Cargo space measures up to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing plenty of room for gear.

Subaru Outback:

  • Comfortable and functional interior with durable materials, ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Two rows of seating accommodate up to five passengers, with no option for a third row.
  • Features a vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
  • Offers up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the Grand Cherokee, but lacks the premium feel of its competitor.

Safety Features

Jeep Grand Cherokee:

  • Comes with advanced driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
  • Higher trims offer additional safety tech like night vision and intersection collision assist, enhancing peace of mind.

Subaru Outback:

  • Known for its commitment to safety, the Outback includes Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane centering.
  • Adds features like rear cross-traffic alert and a DriverFocus distraction mitigation system in higher trims, though it lacks the innovative options available in the Grand Cherokee.

Fuel Efficiency

Jeep Grand Cherokee:

  • Fuel economy varies depending on the engine, with the hybrid 4xe offering the best efficiency at an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe.
  • Traditional gas engines average between 19-26 MPG combined, balancing power with reasonable efficiency.

Subaru Outback:

  • Highly efficient for an all-wheel-drive SUV, with the standard engine achieving up to 33 MPG on the highway and the turbocharged version averaging around 30 MPG.
  • While more fuel-efficient, it sacrifices power and capability compared to the Grand Cherokee.

Which SUV is Right for You?

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Subaru Outback have their strengths, making them great choices for different drivers. However, if you prioritize off-road capability, towing power, and luxury features, the Grand Cherokee offers a distinct edge. To experience its performance and premium feel firsthand, visit Valley Motor City and test drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee today!

Address: 4100 State Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

Phone: 330-752-2215

Website: valleymotorcity.com

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Posted in Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Model Research, Model Comparisons