Subaru Outback Vs Jeep Compass: Which Offers The Best Value For Adventurous Drivers?

In the realm of rugged SUVs, the Subaru Outback and Jeep Compass stand as two prominent contenders, captivating adventure enthusiasts with their exceptional off-road capabilities, versatile performance, and unwavering dependability. Whether navigating treacherous mountain trails, conquering snowy terrains, or embarking on thrilling road trips, these vehicles epitomize the spirit of exploration and outdoor adventure. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of each SUV, scrutinizing their strengths, weaknesses, and distinctive features to determine which one emerges as the ultimate champion of off-road supremacy.

Performance and Capability: Unleashing Unstoppable Adventure

1. Engine Power and Performance:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback boasts a robust 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system ensures optimal traction and control in diverse conditions.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass offers a choice between two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 230 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its Selec-Terrain system adapts to various terrains, enhancing off-road performance.

2. Fuel Efficiency:

• Subaru Outback: With an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, the Outback prioritizes fuel efficiency without compromising its adventurous spirit.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter engine, while the turbocharged engine offers 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

3. Towing and Payload Capacity:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback possesses a towing capacity of up to 2,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,300 pounds, enabling it to handle moderate towing and hauling tasks.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass outperforms the Outback in terms of towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: Embracing Adventure in Style

1. Cabin Space and Comfort:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s spacious cabin offers ample headroom, legroom, and cargo space, ensuring a comfortable and accommodating journey for passengers and gear.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass provides a comfortable interior with generous legroom and headroom, although its cargo space is slightly less than that of the Outback.

2. Infotainment and Connectivity:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback features a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system, enhancing the driving experience.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass comes equipped with a user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system, offering a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system, keeping you connected and entertained on your adventures.

3. Safety Features:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback excels in safety, boasting a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass also offers a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control, ensuring your peace of mind on every journey.

Off-Road Prowess: Conquering the Untamed Wilderness

1. Ground Clearance and Approach/Departure Angles:

• Subaru Outback: With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 18.6 and 21.7 degrees, respectively, the Outback tackles off-road challenges with confidence.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass offers 8.2 inches of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 16.8 and 30.3 degrees, respectively, providing impressive off-road capabilities.

2. Four-Wheel Drive Systems:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system distributes power evenly between all four wheels, ensuring optimal traction and control in slippery or uneven terrain.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass features the Jeep Active Drive system, which offers various drive modes, including Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud, optimizing performance for different terrains.

3. Trail Rated Capability:

• Subaru Outback: While the Outback is not Trail Rated, its impressive ground clearance, all-wheel drive system, and X-Mode with Hill Descent Control provide exceptional off-road capability.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass holds the distinction of being Trail Rated, signifying its ability to handle challenging off-road conditions with ease, thanks to its advanced four-wheel drive system, skid plates, and robust suspension.

Reliability and Maintenance: Ensuring Peace of Mind

1. Reliability Ratings:

• Subaru Outback: Renowned for its exceptional reliability, the Outback consistently ranks among the most dependable vehicles on the market, earning high marks from reputable organizations like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass has shown steady improvement in reliability over the years, but it still trails behind the Outback in terms of overall dependability, according to various reliability surveys.

2. Maintenance Costs:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback typically requires less frequent maintenance compared to the Compass, resulting in lower overall maintenance costs over the long run.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass may incur higher maintenance costs due to its more complex four-wheel drive system and potential issues with its infotainment system.

Price and Value: Striking the Right Balance

1. Starting Price:

• Subaru Outback: With a starting price of around $27,000, the Outback offers a competitive price point for an adventure-ready SUV.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass starts at a slightly lower price of around $25,000, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.

2. Value for Money:

• Subaru Outback: The Outback delivers exceptional value for money, considering its impressive performance, reliability, and standard features.

• Jeep Compass: The Compass offers a compelling value proposition, especially with its Trail Rated capability and extensive range of available features.

Key Points: Navigating the Path to Adventure

The Subaru Outback and Jeep Compass stand as formidable contenders in the realm of rugged SUVs, each possessing unique strengths and characteristics that cater to different adventuring styles and preferences. The Outback excels in reliability, fuel efficiency, and interior comfort, while the Compass boasts impressive off-road prowess, a more affordable price point, and a wide range of available features. Ultimately, the choice between these two capable SUVs depends on your specific needs, budget, and the types of adventures you plan to embark on.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback or the Jeep Compass?

• The Subaru Outback delivers superior fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway compared to the Jeep Compass’s 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

2. Does the Jeep Compass have better off-road capabilities than the Subaru Outback?

• Yes, the Jeep Compass holds the distinction of being Trail Rated, signifying its exceptional off-road capabilities, while the Subaru Outback is not Trail Rated but still offers impressive off-road performance.

3. Which SUV is more reliable, the Subaru Outback or the Jeep Compass?

• The Subaru Outback consistently ranks higher in reliability surveys compared to the Jeep Compass, earning a reputation for exceptional dependability.

4. Is the Subaru Outback more spacious than the Jeep Compass?

• Yes, the Subaru Outback offers more spacious cabin and cargo space compared to the Jeep Compass, providing ample room for passengers and gear.

5. Which SUV has a lower starting price, the Subaru Outback or the Jeep Compass?

• The Jeep Compass has a slightly lower starting price of around $25,000 compared to the Subaru Outback’s starting price of around $27,000.