2025 Jeep Compass vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between rugged capability and everyday efficiency in a compact SUV? The 2025 Jeep Compass, starting at $26,900, offers more punch with 200 hp and slightly better acceleration dynamics due to its 221 lb-ft of torque compared to the 2026 Subaru Forester's 180 hp. However, the Forester pulls ahead in practicality and running costs. While the Compass delivers 27 MPG combined, the slightly pricier Forester sips fuel at 29 MPG combined and offers a generous 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, beating the Jeep's 27.2 cu ft. The Forester is also noticeably taller at 68.1 inches, suggesting better headroom or ground clearance. For those prioritizing immediate savings, the Compass's $3,095 lower entry price is a huge factor, but the Forester’s superior mileage might offset the difference over several years.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its higher combined MPG of 29 compared to the Compass's 27.
2026 Subaru Forester
Families will appreciate the Forester's greater cargo capacity of 29.6 cu ft, which is larger than the Compass's 27.2 cu ft.
2025 Jeep Compass
The 2025 Jeep Compass appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher horsepower rating of 200 hp and greater torque of 221 lb-ft.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass secures the value win by offering a significantly lower MSRP of $26,900.
Choose the Jeep Compass if...
- You want the lowest initial purchase price, as the 2025 Jeep Compass starts at $26,900.
- You prefer a vehicle with more immediate engine output, boasting 200 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.
- You are looking for the more compact exterior dimensions, measuring 173.4 inches in length.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is key, as the Forester achieves 29 MPG combined on regular unleaded.
- You require maximum hauling capability, evidenced by its 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You value a slightly more commanding view of the road, reflected in its 68.1-inch height.
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
Which SUV handles highway driving better between the 2025 Compass and 2026 Forester?
The Jeep Compass might feel peppier on the highway due to its 200 hp engine, but the Forester offers better highway cruising efficiency, delivering 33 MPG compared to the Compass's 32 MPG. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
Is the price difference between these two worth considering?
Yes, the 2025 Jeep Compass is $3,095 cheaper than the 2026 Subaru Forester. While the Forester saves more on gas over time, the upfront cost savings of the Jeep are substantial for budget-conscious buyers.
Which crossover offers more space for luggage and gear?
The 2026 Subaru Forester clearly offers more space with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, beating the 2025 Jeep Compass's 27.2 cubic feet.
How do the different drive systems (4WD vs AWD) compare?
The Jeep Compass comes standard with four-wheel drive (4WD) paired with an 8-speed automatic, suggesting potentially more robust off-road capability. The Subaru Forester features all-wheel drive (AWD) paired with a CVT, which is often smoother for daily driving.
Does the horsepower difference actually matter in daily driving?
The Compass's 200 hp versus the Forester's 180 hp means the Jeep will likely feel quicker when merging or accelerating past slower traffic. However, the Forester’s lower torque figure (178 lb-ft) means it might feel less urgent at lower RPMs.
Are the dimensions drastically different for parking ease?
The Jeep Compass is about 1.9 inches shorter in length (173.4 inches) and slightly wider (73.8 inches). Both are quite comparable in overall footprint for city parking.
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