2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
The primary quantifiable divergence between the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2026 Subaru Ascent is the 33 horsepower deficit in the Ascent (260 hp vs. Jeep’s 293 hp), though the Ascent compensates with 17 lb-ft more torque (277 lb-ft vs. 260 lb-ft). The Jeep boasts a superior combined fuel economy rating of 21 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG, although both share identical 26 MPG highway ratings. Priced at $39,035, the Grand Cherokee L undercuts the Ascent's $40,795 MSRP by $1,760, presenting a value proposition despite having the less capable RWD standard setup against the Ascent's standard AWD. The Ascent offers slightly more usable storage with 17.8 cu ft versus the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft, but the Jeep compensates with greater overall length at 204.9 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides marginally better efficiency with a 22 MPG combined rating and standard All-Wheel Drive, beneficial for varied daily driving conditions.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent offers slightly more inherent utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Grand Cherokee L's 17.2 cu ft.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L delivers significantly more outright power with 293 horsepower versus the Ascent's 260 hp.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L undercuts the Subaru Ascent on entry price by $1,760, offering higher horsepower for less money upfront.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...
- Maximum horsepower output is prioritized, as the Grand Cherokee L offers 293 hp.
- A lower starting MSRP is crucial, given its $39,035 price point compared to the Ascent's $40,795.
- A longer wheelbase/body is preferred, indicated by its 204.9-inch length.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary for traction management.
- Maximum cargo space is needed, with 17.8 cu ft available over the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.
- Higher peak torque (277 lb-ft) is desired for pulling characteristics.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee L | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204.9" | 196.8" |
| Width | 77.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 71.5" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 121.7" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 Ventilated 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6400 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 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 automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.0/598.0 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.0 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 57.8 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Size | 265/60R18 | 245/60R |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody 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 Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How significant is the drivetrain difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), whereas the 2026 Subaru Ascent includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This difference impacts initial traction capabilities, making the Ascent inherently better equipped for slippery conditions out of the box.
Which vehicle provides better fuel economy figures?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent technically leads in overall efficiency, achieving a 22 MPG combined rating, while the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L sits slightly behind at 21 MPG combined. Both vehicles share an identical 26 MPG rating for highway driving using regular unleaded fuel.
How does the base MSRP and power output compare in value terms?
The Grand Cherokee L is $1,760 cheaper at $39,035 and delivers 33 more horsepower (293 hp vs. 260 hp). However, the Ascent offers 17 lb-ft more torque (277 lb-ft) for that higher price.
Is there a measurable difference in physical size?
Yes, the Grand Cherokee L is substantially longer, measuring 204.9 inches compared to the Ascent’s 196.8 inches, meaning the Jeep occupies more physical space.
Do either of these vehicles use a CVT transmission?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L employs a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
How does cargo volume compare between the two vehicles?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent offers 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity, providing a slight advantage over the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which offers 17.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
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