Compare the 2019 Subaru Forester to the 2019 Jeep Cherokee in Tucson

If you're looking for a new SUV that offers capable performance, a comfortable interior, and modern technology, the Subaru Forester is a smart choice. The Jeep Cherokee is another popular option, so we've compiled this competitive comparison of these two options so you can find the right one for your needs. Right out of the gate, the 2019 Subaru Forester offers a lower starting price, and even when you comparably equip them with features, you'll still spend more on a 2019 Jeep Cherokee.

Performance & Capability

• Subaru Forester: 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® four-cylinder
• The Forester offers 170-horsepower
• 2019 Forester: 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway

Performance & Capability

• Jeep Cherokee: 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder
• The Cherokee engine offers 184-horsepower
• 2019 Cherokee: 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway

When it comes to performance, the Forester and Cherokee both start with a car frame, rather than a truck frame found on many larger SUVs. This leads to a more car-like driving feel from both, but the Subaru Forester offers a more comfortable all-around driving experience. Like all Jeep vehicles, the Cherokee is designed for rugged capability and off-road performance. The Cherokee does offer two additional available engines, but when you consider the efficiency and performance of the Forester, three isn't always better than one. When it comes to fuel efficiency take a look at the EPA-estimated numbers.

Like all Jeep vehicles, the Cherokee is designed for rugged capability and off-road performance, which often means you sacrifice some on-road comfort-ability. The 2019 Cherokee offers three separate four-wheel drive systems, while the Subaru Forester comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive. What makes symmetrical all-wheel drive so worth it? To start, this system runs full-time, so there are no buttons to push and nothing to worry about. This advanced system is continually monitoring traction of each wheel, so you'll have superior grip no matter if it's raining, snowing, or you're just braking hard or cornering sharply. The Subaru also offers nearly an inch more ground clearance than the standard Jeep Cherokee, so you can take your Forester further.

Safety Technology

No matter what you want your next SUV for, you shouldn't have to miss out on all the safety technology and features that you want. One of the biggest reasons you should choose the 2019 Subaru Forester is the fact that it comes standard with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. So, what exactly does EyeSight® offer?

• Adaptive cruise control
• Pre-Collision Braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offers similar features, but you'll have to spend extra to get them, often times you have to opt for a higher, and more expensive, trim level. EyeSight® is a comprehensive system that offers advanced safety and driver assistance technology that will make your life not only safer but easier. The 2018 Forester was named a Top Safety Pick Plus from the IIHS, while the 2018 Jeep Cherokee was named a Top Safety Pick. You and your loved ones deserve to have all the safety features and technology that are offered, and it's easy to do that with the 2019 Subaru Forester.

The Forester also offers unrivaled visibility, with a clear view of the road all around. Combine that with the standard safety features from EyeSight® and you'll have an easier time no matter where your adventures take you.

Cargo Space

Both vehicles offer a square SUV shape, but the narrower lines of the Jeep Cherokee minimize the cargo space and overall versatility. The Subaru Forester has a wide rear opening that makes it easy to load up all of your gear, and with 34.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seas, you can carry just about anything. Both the 2019 Subaru Forester and 2019 Jeep Cherokee offer these features:

• 60/40 split folding rear seats
• Available power liftgate
• Small storage cubbies

The Subaru Forester offers a maximum cargo capacity of 76 cubic feet, while the Jeep Cherokee only offers 55 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold the rear seats down. That's Cherokee offers a much smaller cargo area, and with the curved exterior it makes it difficult to load with all of your gear.

Technology

Standard technology features of both the 2019 Forester and 2019 Cherokee

• Standard infotainment touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Upgradeable systems with available navigation capabilities
• Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity
• Steering wheel audio controls

The 2019 Forester features the STARLINK™ infotainment system on a 7-inch touchscreen standard, while the 2019 Cherokee offers the Uconnect system on a 7-inch touchscreen display. These systems on the surface are very similar, offering many of the same features, but you'll love how the 2019 Subaru Forester system is the perfect fit without taking up too much space.

Interior Comforts

The Forester and Cherokee are similarly sized, but you'll love how spacious and comfortable the Subaru Forester is inside. Thanks to a squarer shape, you'll enjoy roomy comforts all around. Both SUVs offer two rows of seating, but the Cherokee just can't match the quality and features of the Forester. Once you sit inside, you'll surely love the comfortable seats that offer just the right supportive bolstering for all-day comfort.

Both offer cloth upholstery standard, though you can add niceties like contrasting stitching, a panoramic moonroof, and added rear legroom for more comfort. The 2019 Subaru Forester offers even more passenger space, a total of 111.9 cubic feet. The 2019 Cherokee just can't match that kind of space.

Additional interior comforts of your new Subaru Forester include available rear-row comforts include things like: heated seats, rear climate vents, and rear USB ports. The Cherokee doesn't offer heated rear seats. You and your passengers will be more comfortable and happy in the spacious and high-quality Subaru Forester.

Trim Levels

The 2019 Subaru Forester offers five trim levels, while the Cherokee offers eight trims to choose from. The Forester offers just about everything you could want, even on the base level offering, so you don't have to skip over it as you do with the Cherokee base level. If you opt for the top tier level of each, the 2019 Subaru Forester Touring has an MSRP of $36,095, while the 2019 Jeep Cherokee High Altitude has an MSRP of $34,195.

Compare the 2019 Subaru Forester in Person!

The only way to experience the Subaru Forester is to come take one for a test drive, right here at Tucson Subaru. We're sure that once you sit inside you'll see why so many drivers choose this versatile SUV over the Jeep Cherokee. Our team can help you pick out the perfect trim level, option package, and more to meet your needs, with ease.