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Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs Subaru Outback: Which Is The Ultimate Off-road Suv?

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • In this blog post, we’ll compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback off-road to help you decide which one is the right choice for your next adventure.
  • The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a variety of off-road features that enhance its capabilities, including hill descent control, hill start assist, and a rear locking differential.
  • The EPA estimates that the Outback gets up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Grand Cherokee gets up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to off-road adventures, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback are two of the most popular choices. Both vehicles offer impressive capabilities, but they have distinct strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback off-road to help you decide which one is the right choice for your next adventure.

Capability Comparison: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Outback

1. Ground Clearance:

Ground clearance is a crucial factor for off-roading, as it determines the vehicle’s ability to navigate obstacles without getting stuck. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a ground clearance of up to 11.3 inches, while the Subaru Outback offers up to 8.7 inches. This difference gives the Grand Cherokee a significant advantage when tackling rough terrain.

2. Four-Wheel Drive Systems:

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback come standard with four-wheel drive systems. However, the Grand Cherokee offers a more advanced system with a low-range transfer case, which provides better traction and control in challenging off-road conditions.

3. Suspension:

The Jeep Grand Cherokee features a rugged suspension system with independent front and rear suspensions. This setup provides excellent articulation and absorbs bumps and jolts effectively, making it more capable of handling off-road terrain. The Subaru Outback, on the other hand, has a more car-like suspension system that is better suited for on-road driving.

4. Approach and Departure Angles:

Approach and departure angles are important for off-roading, as they determine the vehicle’s ability to climb over obstacles without getting stuck. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has approach and departure angles of 29.8 degrees and 23.6 degrees, respectively. The Subaru Outback has approach and departure angles of 18.6 degrees and 21.7 degrees, respectively. This gives the Grand Cherokee a clear advantage in terms of off-road maneuverability.

5. Off-Road Features:

The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a variety of off-road features that enhance its capabilities, including hill descent control, hill start assist, and a rear locking differential. The Subaru Outback also offers some off-road features, such as X-Mode and hill descent control, but they are not as comprehensive as those found on the Grand Cherokee.

Reliability and Durability: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Outback

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback have a reputation for reliability and durability. However, the Grand Cherokee has a slightly higher overall reliability rating, according to J.D. Power and Associates. This means that it is less likely to experience problems over time.

Fuel Efficiency: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback has a clear advantage in terms of fuel efficiency. The EPA estimates that the Outback gets up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, while the Grand Cherokee gets up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. This difference is significant, especially for those who plan to use their vehicle for long road trips.

Comfort and Convenience: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Outback

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback offer comfortable and well-equipped interiors. However, the Grand Cherokee has a more spacious cabin and a more luxurious feel overall. It also offers more features, such as a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and a premium audio system.

Price: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Outback

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a starting price of $37,995, while the Subaru Outback starts at $26,645. This difference in price is significant, and it’s important to consider your budget when making a decision.

The Verdict: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Outback Off-Road

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback are both excellent choices for off-road adventures. However, the Grand Cherokee has a clear advantage in terms of capability, thanks to its higher ground clearance, more advanced four-wheel drive system, and more robust suspension. The Outback, on the other hand, is more fuel-efficient and has a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

What’s Next?

If you’re still undecided between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Outback, we recommend taking both vehicles for a test drive. This will give you a chance to experience their off-road capabilities firsthand and see which one is the better fit for you.

Information You Need to Know

1. Which vehicle has better off-road capability?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has better off-road capability than the Subaru Outback, thanks to its higher ground clearance, more advanced four-wheel drive system, and more robust suspension.

2. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?

The Subaru Outback is more fuel-efficient than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, getting up to 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

3. Which vehicle has a lower starting price?

The Subaru Outback has a lower starting price than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, starting at $26,645 compared to the Grand Cherokee’s $37,995.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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