2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$39,035 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L attacks the road with an assertive 293 horsepower and a robust rear-wheel-drive stance, promising an inherently bolder drive for those who crave classic American muscle. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback captivates with its utilitarian genius, boasting an impressive 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Jeep’s 17.2 cu ft. Commuting favors the Subaru, which delivers a stellar 27 MPG combined versus the Jeep's 21 MPG combined, potentially saving owners hundreds annually. However, when sheer thrust is required, the Jeep leaps ahead with 113 more horsepower than the Subaru’s 180 hp, making highway merging a much more decisive affair for the Jeep. The Outback starts appealingly low at $34,995, while the Grand Cherokee L is priced at $39,035, representing a $4,040 initial gap that buyers must weigh against the Jeep's power advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG compared to the Jeep's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

Families will prefer the Outback's vastly larger 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, making hauling gear significantly easier than in the Jeep's 17.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Enthusiasts seeking immediate performance will favor the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, thanks to its substantial 293 horsepower output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers significantly better fuel efficiency and cargo volume while carrying a starting price that is $4,040 lower than the Jeep.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...

You prioritize raw power, appreciating the 293 hp available from the standard engine.
You prefer the dynamic handling characteristics associated with a rear-wheel-drive platform.
Your driving style demands the higher torque output of 260 lb-ft for towing or acceleration.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing fuel stops is key, leveraging the Outback’s 31 MPG highway rating.
You frequently utilize the rear for large items, benefiting from 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
A lower entry price point of $34,995 is a significant factor in your purchasing decision.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Grand Cherokee L	Subaru Outback
Length	204.9"	191.7"
Width	77.9"	74.0"
Height	71.5"	67.5"
Wheelbase	121.7"	108.1"

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	3
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	3.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	293 hp @ 6400 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	437.0/598.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	23.0 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.4 in	12.1 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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.3 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.2 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	57.4 in.	55.5 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
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.9 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	55.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	265/60R18	225/60R H
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	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 Grand Cherokee L and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How does the handling differ between the RWD Jeep and the AWD Subaru?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes standard with rear-wheel drive, often providing a more traditional, possibly sportier, road feel, whereas the 2026 Subaru Outback utilizes all-wheel drive for enhanced traction stability across varied conditions.

Is the power difference noticeable for daily driving?

Yes, the 113 horsepower gap is substantial; the Jeep offers 293 hp, which should feel much punchier in traffic compared to the Outback's 180 hp engine.

Which vehicle is truly better for road trips based on fuel economy?

The Outback is the clear road-trip champion with a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Jeep's 21 MPG combined rating, meaning fewer stops at the pump across long distances.

If I carry a lot of gear, which crossover should I pick?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the superior choice for cargo, offering 34.6 cu ft, which is more than double the 17.2 cu ft available in the back of the longer 204.9-inch Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

What is the cost implication of choosing the more powerful Jeep?

The Jeep commands a premium, starting at $39,035, while the Subaru undercuts it significantly with a starting MSRP of $34,995, saving the buyer $4,040 upfront.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the need for premium grades.