2025 Jeep Compass vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Jeep Compass and the 2025 Subaru Forester often comes down to prioritizing upfront savings versus slightly better efficiency and space. For budget-conscious buyers, the Compass starts significantly lower at $26,900 compared to the Forester's $29,995, saving you $3,095 immediately. However, the Forester nudges ahead in fuel economy, offering a combined 29 MPG versus the Compass's 27 MPG, and it boasts a practical edge with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Jeep's 27.2 cu ft. Power delivery differs too; the Compass offers a punchier 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the Forester manages with 180 hp. Both offer standard four/all-wheel drive configurations, making them capable year-round choices, but the practical dimensions slightly favor the Jeep for navigating tighter city streets due to its shorter 173.4-inch length.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Forester wins for commuters due to its slightly superior fuel efficiency, netting 29 combined MPG versus the Compass's 27 MPG.
2025 Subaru Forester
Families will appreciate the Forester's larger 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which easily outpaces the Compass's 27.2 cu ft.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass offers superior performance metrics with 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, beating the Forester's 180 hp output.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Compass delivers better immediate value by having an MSRP that is $3,095 lower than the Forester.
Choose the Jeep Compass if...
- You need the lowest possible entry price, starting at just $26,900.
- You prefer a bit more gusto from the engine, utilizing the 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.
- Your primary driving involves tighter maneuvering where the Compass's shorter 173.4-inch length is beneficial.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Maximum usable cargo space is essential, as the Forester offers 29.6 cu ft.
- You prioritize slightly lower running costs with its 29 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer the added stability and ride height given by the Forester's greater height of 68.1 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Compass | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.4" | 183.3" |
| Width | 73.8" | 72.0" |
| Height | 64.6" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 200 hp @ 5000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | On Demand | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 24/32 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 324.0/432.0 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.2 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.2 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 225/60R H |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Jeep Compass and 2025 Subaru Forester.
Which crossover is better for highway cruising efficiency?
The 2025 Subaru Forester is marginally better on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the Jeep Compass's 32 MPG highway rating. While both use regular unleaded fuel, the Forester's better efficiency saves a little at the pump over long distances.
Is the power difference between these two crossovers noticeable?
Yes, the power difference is significant; the Compass packs 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, which is notably higher than the Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This means the Jeep will feel peppier during acceleration.
How much more spacious is the Subaru Forester inside?
The Forester provides more accessible storage space for families, offering 29.6 cu ft behind the second row, compared to the Compass's 27.2 cu ft. That extra 2.4 cubic feet can make a difference when packing for road trips.
Does the difference in drivetrain (4WD vs AWD) matter?
While both offer robust capability, the Compass uses a Four Wheel Drive system with an 8-speed automatic, whereas the Forester uses an All Wheel Drive system coupled with a CVT. For daily driving, the practical difference is minor, but the Jeep's geared transmission might appeal to some drivers.
If I am trying to save money upfront, which one should I buy?
The 2025 Jeep Compass is the clear winner on initial purchase price, starting at $26,900. The Forester demands $3,095 more at the starting line, making the Compass the value leader if immediate savings are the priority.
Which crossover is physically larger or smaller?
The Forester is the longer vehicle at 183.3 inches versus the Compass's 173.4 inches, making it slightly harder to park. Conversely, the Forester is significantly taller at 68.1 inches compared to the Compass's 64.6 inches, which contributes to its greater interior headroom and cargo volume.
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