2025 Jeep Compass vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$26,900 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the ruggedly charming 2025 Jeep Compass and the practical 2025 Subaru Outback? It often boils down to how much space and polish you need versus how much you want to spend. The Compass starts at a very appealing $26,900, making it $3,095 cheaper than the Outback’s $29,995 entry price. While the Jeep offers a bit more punch with 200 hp versus the Subaru's 182 hp, the Outback counters with superior utility, boasting 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Compass's 27.2 cubic feet. Fuel efficiency is neck-and-neck, with both achieving a combined 27-28 MPG, though the Outback nudges ahead slightly with 28 MPG combined. For those prioritizing maneuverability, the Compass is significantly shorter at 173.4 inches long, whereas the Outback prioritizes passenger and storage room with its 191.1-inch length.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its slightly better 28 MPG combined fuel economy and more comfortable highway manners inherent to its longer, wagon-like body.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

Families will strongly favor the 2025 Outback because it offers substantially more space with 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Compass’s 27.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Compass

The 2025 Jeep Compass appeals more to enthusiasts with a higher torque output of 221 lb-ft and 200 hp, beating the Outback's 176 lb-ft and 182 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Jeep Compass

The 2025 Jeep Compass provides superior power for a lower initial investment, starting $3,095 less than the Subaru Outback.

Choose the Jeep Compass if...

You want the best base price, starting at just $26,900.
You prioritize slightly more engine power, with 200 hp available.
You need a shorter vehicle, as the Compass measures only 173.4 inches in length, making parking easier.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum storage is essential, benefiting from 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the stability and slightly better fuel efficiency of a longer vehicle (191.1 inches).
You value the lower city fuel consumption of 26 MPG over the Compass’s 24 MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Compass	Subaru Outback
Length	173.4"	191.1"
Width	73.8"	73.0"
Height	64.6"	66.1"
Wheelbase	103.8"	108.1"

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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	221 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	324.0/432.0 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.2 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	55.5 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	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.3 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	49.2 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	225/65R 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 Outback.

Which vehicle is better for driving in snow and poor weather?

Both vehicles come standard with capable four-wheel/all-wheel drive systems, meaning both are highly competent in adverse weather. The Jeep Compass offers a traditional four-wheel drive system, while the Subaru Outback uses Subaru's established Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Is the performance difference between the two noticeable in daily driving?

The 2025 Compass offers a clear advantage in raw power, boasting 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, which should feel zippier during highway merging compared to the Outback’s 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

How much more cargo space do I get with the Subaru Outback?

You gain significant utility with the Outback; it offers 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is 5.4 cubic feet more than the Jeep Compass's 27.2 cubic feet.

How do the fuel costs compare between the two base models?

The difference is negligible, as the Outback achieves 28 MPG combined (26/32 city/highway), narrowly beating the Compass’s 27 MPG combined (24/32 city/highway). Both use regular unleaded fuel.

Does the price difference translate into significantly different transmission types?

Yes, the less expensive Compass uses a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the pricier Outback uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

If I mostly drive around the city, which crossover is easier to manage?

The 2025 Jeep Compass is physically smaller overall, measuring 173.4 inches in length compared to the Outback's 191.1 inches, which generally makes maneuvering and parking in tight urban spots a bit simpler.