2026 Subaru Outback Vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Subaru Outback at a Glance
- Compare the Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee, and you'll uncover several advantages of the Subaru.
- Only the Outback comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD); the Grand Cherokee gets rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive (4WD).
- Enjoy more first- and second-row headroom and legroom in the Subaru SUV.
- The midsize Outback tops the full-size Grand Cherokee in MPG.
- The Grand Cherokee comes standard with 8.4 inches of ground clearance, while the Outback outperforms it with 8.7 inches of standard ground-clearing capabilities.
Comparing the Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you're shopping for a spacious two-row SUV, you'll likely want to compare the Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee to determine which offers a better blend of performance and utility for your daily drives and upcoming adventures. Both feature generous interior space for up to five occupants and ample cargo space, while providing all-terrain capability that your average car can't match. Still, one comes out on top in several significant ways.
Join Quantrell Auto Group as we pit these Subaru and Jeep solutions in a head-to-head specs comparison, covering their engines, MPG, capabilities, cargo space, and more.
Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs
Let's begin our 2026 Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison with their performance attributes. The Subaru Outback specs start with a robust powertrain consisting of a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), and the automaker's proprietary Symmetrical AWD system. This setup delivers both excellent gas mileage and all-terrain capability, outputting an ample 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
Step up to the available turbocharged Subaru Outback engine, a 2.4-liter, and feel this sport-ute's output reach 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This option delivers peak performance within the Outback lineup while still delivering impressive fuel economy, as you'll discover below.
Select either powertrain, and you get a standard 8.7 inches of ground clearance and an array of performance-oriented technologies, including:
- X-MODE
- Hill Descent Control
- Vehicle Dynamics Control
- Active Torque Vectoring
The standard Jeep Grand Cherokee engine is a 3.6-liter V-6, which produces 293 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque. Its output is similar to that of a turbocharged Outback, with the Subaru generating more torque. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also offered in this Jeep SUV's lineup, boasting 324 horsepower.
The standard Jeep V-6 and available turbo-four engine are paired with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive (RWD) in base form. While a 4x4 system is optional, the standard RWD doesn't instill all-road and all-weather confidence like the Symmetrical AWD system found on every new Subaru Outback.
The available Jeep 4WD system makes the SUV more off-road capable, but it comes at a cost of fuel efficiency, as detailed in our MPG comparison below.
Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee MPG
If you're seeking a confident yet fuel-sipping SUV, you'll want to give the Outback a close look. The Subaru Outback MPG ratings meet or beat the Grand Cherokee across various configurations, from the base powertrains to the most potent options.
For instance, the Outback earns up to an EPA-estimated 25/31 MPG (City/Highway)1 rating, which compares favorably to the best that the Grand Cherokee can muster with its base powertrain: an EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG (City/Highway).2
When comparing the peak-performing powertrains in both models, the Outback still outpaces the Jeep. The Subaru returns up to an EPA-estimated 21/29 MPG (City/Highway)1 with its available 2.4-liter turbo engine, and the Jeep SUV trails behind with 20/25 MPG (City/Highway)3 with its 2.0-liter powertrain and 4WD.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Subaru Outback Cargo Space and Seating
While the Subaru Outback may have the edge in terms of MPG and all-terrain capabilities, what about cabin space and comfort? It may surprise some that while the full-size Grand Cherokee is longer, taller, and wider than the midsize Outback, it's the Subaru that is more spacious inside in many respects.
For instance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee seating falls short of the Subaru Outback seating in legroom for both first- and second-row occupants. The Outback tops its Jeep competitor with 43 inches of front-row legroom and 39.5 inches in the second, compared to just 41.3 inches and 38.2 inches, respectively, in the Jeep SUV.
It's a similar story with headroom, where the Subaru affords more space for taller drivers and passengers across both rows.
Comparing the Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee cargo space, we discover that both have their advantages. The Grand Cherokee holds a little more cargo with all seats upright. However, the Subaru surpasses its rival in maximum cargo capacity with the second row folded, reaching 80.5 cubic feet compared to 70.8 cubic feet.
See a quick review detailing the differences between the 2026 Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee in dimensions, specifications, and more below as we compare two Outback trims and powertrains to the entry-level Grand Cherokee Laredo.
| 2026 Subaru Outback Premium | 2026 Subaru Outback Limited XT | 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD | Symmetrical AWD | RWD (4WD avail.) |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo | 3.6L V-6 |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | Lineartronic CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 180 | 260 | 293 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 257 lb-ft |
| Max. EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 25 / 311 | 21 / 291 | 19 / 262 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 gal | 18 gal | 23 gal |
| Length | 191.7 in | 191.7 in | 193.5 in |
| Width | 74 in | 74 in | 77.5 in |
| Height | 67.5 in | 67.5 in | 70.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 in | 108.1 in | 116.7 in |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 19 in | 18 in |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 in | 8.7 in | 8.4 in |
| Passenger Volume | 112.3 cu ft | 111.1 cu ft | 145 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd Row) | 41 / 40.5 in | 40.2 / 40.5 in | 39.9 / 39.4 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd Row) | 43 / 39.5 in | 43 / 39.5 in | 41.3 / 38.2 in |
| Cargo Space (Behind 2nd / 1st Row) | 34.6 / 80.5 cu ft | 34.6 / 80.5 cu ft | 37.7 / 70.8 cu ft |
Subaru Outback Safety Rating vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
In our 2026 Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison, only one earned top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Subaru Outback safety rating from the IIHS qualifies this SUV as a Top Safety Pick+4 for 2026, the highest distinction.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee safety rating from the IIHS failed to reach any level of Top Safety Pick status, partly due to its "Marginal" rating for seat belt reminders and "Acceptable" rating for some driver injury measures.4
Want more details on how the Outback outmatches the Grand Cherokee? Then contact us at Quantrell Auto Group to learn more about the outstanding Outback specs and amenities and schedule a test spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more reliable: Jeep or Subaru?
Subaru is rated as more reliable than Jeep by Consumer Reports member surveys.5 Subaru is ranked second out of 26 car brands in average predicted reliability.5 In contrast, the Jeep brand lands in 24th place out of the same 26 brands for average predicted reliability.5 While these rankings are a brand average, Subaru Outback reliability generally follows suit, as does Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability.
Is a Subaru Outback a good car to buy?
A Subaru Outback is a great car to buy for families and drivers seeking a rugged, reliable, and versatile SUV with advanced safety features and standard Symmetrical AWD. Not only do Subaru vehicles like the Outback fare better in average predicted reliability than competing SUVs from the Jeep brand,5 such as the Grand Cherokee, but the Outback also boasts generous legroom, cargo space, and ground clearance.
Does the Subaru Outback or Jeep Grand Cherokee get better fuel economy?
The Subaru Outback gets better fuel economy than the Grand Cherokee, whether comparing their base or available powertrains. With up to an EPA-estimated 25/31 MPG (City/Highway)1 rating in its standard configuration, the Outback tops the entry-level Grand Cherokee and its EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG (City/Highway).2 Enjoy this elevated Subaru Outback MPG rating when you secure one of these SUVs.
1EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions and your vehicle's condition.
2EPA-estimated 19 city MPG with 3.6L V-6 and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 26 hwy MPG with 3.6L V-6 and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary.
3EPA-estimated 20 city MPG with 2.0L 4-Cyl and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 25 hwy MPG with 2.0L 4-Cyl and eight-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary.
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, Consumer Reports members can visit https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/