2026 Jeep Compass vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$30,595 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Jeep Compass bursts onto the scene with a punchy 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, promising more zest on the pavement, albeit in a more compact 173.4-inch package. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback offers sheer utility, boasting a cavernous 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Compass’s 27.2 cu ft, making it the established haul-master. Both models achieve an identical 27 MPG combined, proving efficiency is a shared priority. However, the Outback commands a $4,400 higher MSRP at $34,995 against the Compass’s competitive $30,595 start. While the Compass leans on stronger peak power figures, the Outback counters with superior dimensions (191.7 inches long) and a higher ride stance, suggesting different priorities for the adventure-minded buyer.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass wins for commuters due to its slightly more maneuverable size at 173.4 inches in length and superior horsepower delivery.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the clear family victor, offering significantly more usable space with 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Jeep Compass

The Compass appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its greater 200 hp output and 221 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass offers superior power per dollar, starting $4,400 cheaper than the Outback.

Choose the Jeep Compass if...

You prioritize spirited acceleration backed by 200 horsepower.
You want the lowest entry price, starting at $30,595.
You prefer the traditional feel of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Maximum hauling capability is essential, thanks to 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You desire a larger, more substantial footprint with a length of 191.7 inches.
You prefer the consistent traction of standard all-wheel drive paired with a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Jeep Compass	Subaru Outback
Length	173.4"	191.7"
Width	73.8"	74.0"
Height	64.8"	67.5"
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	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Front Fog 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	—	✓
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	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	221 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	324.0/432.0 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.5 gal.	18.0 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	✓	✓
Steering Wheel Material	Leatherette/Simulated Alloy	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.4 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
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	39.2 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.8 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.1 in.	55.5 in.
Front Seat Material	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	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	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	40.5 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.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Jeep	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/55R18	225/60R H
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 2026 Jeep Compass and 2026 Subaru Outback.

Which crossover is quicker off the line, the 2026 Compass or the 2026 Outback?

Based on the provided data, the 2026 Jeep Compass should feel quicker, boasting 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Outback's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

How much more cargo space does the Subaru Outback offer over the Jeep Compass?

The Subaru Outback provides considerably more storage volume, offering 34.6 cubic feet compared to the Jeep Compass's 27.2 cubic feet, a difference of 7.4 cubic feet.

Do these vehicles have similar fuel economy ratings?

Yes, both models are remarkably similar in efficiency, achieving an identical 27 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded fuel.

Is the 2026 Jeep Compass noticeably smaller than the Outback?

The Compass is definitely the more compact option, measuring 173.4 inches long compared to the Outback’s substantial 191.7 inches in length, which should aid city parking.

What is the main cost difference between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Subaru Outback has a $4,400 higher starting MSRP ($34,995) than the 2026 Jeep Compass, which begins at $30,595.

Do the drive systems differ significantly between the two?

They do; the Jeep Compass utilizes a dedicated four-wheel drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic, whereas the Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission.