2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$36,495 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the capable 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the efficient 2026 Subaru Outback often boils down to power versus practicality. Buyers facing this choice need to weigh the Jeep's robust 293 hp against the Outback's superior fuel economy. The Jeep starts at a higher MSRP of $36,495, whereas the Outback begins at a more budget-friendly $34,995. While the Outback shines with an impressive combined 27 MPG, the Grand Cherokee manages only 22 MPG combined, reflecting its higher performance focus. Interestingly, the Jeep is slightly larger, measuring 193.5 inches long compared to the Outback's 191.7 inches. If raw output is key, the 113 hp difference heavily favors the Jeep, but for saving money at the pump with a respectable 31 highway MPG, the Outback is the clear long-term winner.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its significantly better 27 combined MPG rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers slightly more bulk and a higher ride height for a potentially more secure family feel.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Grand Cherokee delivers 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, far surpassing the Outback's 180 hp output for a more engaging drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback offers better long-term value starting at a lower MSRP ($34,995) and providing substantially better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...

You prioritize outright performance, needing the 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque the Jeep provides.
You prefer a standard Rear Wheel Drive layout combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission for a traditional feel.
You need the slightly larger cargo space, offering 37.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximizing fuel stops is critical, as the Outback achieves 31 MPG highway versus the Jeep's 26 MPG.
You want standard All-Wheel Drive capability right from the base model MSRP of $34,995.
You are looking for a smaller overall footprint (74.0 inches wide) for easier city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Subaru Outback
Length	193.5"	191.7"
Width	77.5"	74.0"
Height	70.8"	67.5"
Wheelbase	116.7"	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	✓	✓
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	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
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	—	✓

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 shiftable 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)	22 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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	39.9 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	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.4 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.0 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.3 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 6.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P245/70R17	225/60R H
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 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How much more power does the Grand Cherokee actually offer over the Outback?

The difference in power is substantial; the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee produces 293 hp, which is 113 more horsepower than the 2026 Subaru Outback’s 180 hp. This translates directly into quicker acceleration when you need it.

Is the Subaru Outback a better choice for city driving fuel economy?

Yes, the Outback is significantly better for city driving, achieving 25 MPG in the city compared to the Grand Cherokee's 19 MPG. Over a year, this efficiency gap will result in noticeable fuel cost savings.

Which vehicle has better standard drivetrain hardware?

The 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), ideal for slippery conditions, whereas the base 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee utilizes Rear Wheel Drive (RWD).

How do the physical sizes of these two crossovers compare?

The Grand Cherokee is marginally larger overall, being about 1.8 inches longer and 3.5 inches wider than the Outback. However, the Jeep is also considerably taller at 70.8 inches.

If I haul a lot of gear, which crossover has more cargo space?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers more primary cargo utility with 37.7 cubic feet available, slightly beating the 2026 Subaru Outback's 34.6 cubic feet.