Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Forester

It's time for another exciting vehicle comparison to help drivers looking for a reliable, top-of-the-line compact crossover to drive around New Holland, Lancaster, and Reading. In this comparison, the team at New Holland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram compares the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2018 Subaru Forester side-by-side. Follow along as these powerful SUVs face off grille to grille in performance, technology and safety.

Performance and Handling

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has four engines, which all harness next-level power for a riveting driving experience. The Jeep Grand Cherokee engines are:

• The standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, generates 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
• The optional 5.7L HEMI® V8 produces 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.
• The upgradable 6.4L HEMI® SRT V8 rewards its drivers with 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
• The supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 delivers a thrilling 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.

The 2018 Subaru Forester has six available trim models, which is impressive, but the Grand Cherokee has ten trim levels. When it comes to engine options, too, they offer less than its Jeep counterpart: two engine options. Its standard 2.5L engine generates 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The available 2.0L turbocharged engine on the 2018 Forester boosts that power up to 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque—less power than what the Jeep and its standard V6 engine is capable of

Convenience Technology

When it comes to convenience technology, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has many features to make your drives easy and fun. A key feature in this capable SUV is the Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, an advanced system that will maintain separate temperatures for the front passenger and driver. That way, there’s no more bickering over being too hot or too cold. The Subaru Forester has a similar system, but only available at a higher trim level.

On top of its climate control capabilities, the Jeep Grand Cherokee utilizes a standard 7-inch touchscreen display to access its various apps, including Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and GPS Navigation. With this huge screen, you’ll easily peruse through the infotainment system, or use the smartphone-integration apps to access your favorite music, messages, maps, and more.

As for the Subaru Forester, it comes with a standard 6.2-inch STARLINK™ multimedia system, which may be harder to use due to its smaller size. However, it does come with some fun apps, including Pandora® and iHeart® Radio. However, without Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™, syncing your smartphone with the infotainment system may prove to be more difficult.

Safety Systems

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has over 70 available safety and security features, including:

• Blind Spot Monitoring: With its sensors, this cutting-edge safety system scans your blind spots for any oncoming vehicles. If it detects an approaching car, it’ll alert you on the corresponding side mirror along with an audible chime.
• Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: When there’s a potential frontal collision, this advanced feature will automatically engage the brakes if no action is taken. 
• LaneSense® Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist: If this driver-assisting aid senses unintentional lane drifting, it’ll alert you, so you can safely return to your lane.

As for the Subaru Forester, it comes with EyeSight® technology, which also has a similar lineup of safety features. Some of its available features include Blind-Spot Detection, the Pre-collision Braking System, and High Beam Assist. 

The 2018 Grand Cherokee Reigns Supreme

Now that you’ve read our Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Subaru Forester comparison, it’s time to consider a test drive. Although the Subaru Forester has impressive safety features, it can’t compete with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and its advanced safety systems, array of convenience technology, and powerful engine lineup.

If you live in the New Holland, Lancaster, or Reading, PA, areas, come by to see us at New Holland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to see if the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best crossover SUV for you. Our phenomenal team members are always ready to help our valued customers. Give us a call today to schedule your test drive.