2019 Subaru Forester vs 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

In 2019, Subaru and Jeep offered two distinctive vehicles targeting different segments of the market. The 2019 Subaru Forester brought a more utility-focused design, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee leaned on its established rugged yet upscale image.

The 2019 Subaru Forester grew slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, borrowing design cues from the larger Subaru Ascent. Despite this scaling, the Forester maintained its hallmark functional design. Subaru emphasized pragmatism, ensuring enhanced utility with design choices such as the standard LED headlights and the renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD). All trims from Base to Touring came with the EyeSight driver-assistance systems, complementing an already handsomely equipped base model featuring 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen.

Stepping up the trims brought a variety of upgrades: the Premium added exterior aesthetics and comfort features like a large panoramic moonroof and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it boasted power seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 4G Wi-Fi capability. The Sport trim offered unique interior and exterior styling touches with larger 18-inch wheels and more tech features. Limited and Touring trims upped the luxury ante, incorporating leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and Harman Kardon audio systems.

Conversely, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite a decade-old design, retained an appealing blend of classic Jeep design elements such as the iconic 7-slot grille and sculpted wheel arches. Its aesthetic has aged remarkably well and carried a premium aura with various trim levels aimed at different buyer needs. Starting with the Laredo trim, priced at $31,945 plus additional destination charges, it catered to budget-conscious buyers. Yet this escalated quickly across the 11 trim levels. Options spanned from the luxurious Summit trim, the off-road-ready Trailhawk, to the jaw-dropping performance-centered Trackhawk.

The Limited X trim, a new addition for 2019, showcased a performance vented hood, 20-inch wheels, and heritage-pattern leather seats. This particular trim, while comfortably priced compared to the Trackhawk, still boasted luxury touches inside like dark headliner and gray trim pieces. However, issues with hard plastics and occasional build quality hiccups like cold-weather squeaks slightly marred the otherwise upscale cabin ambiance.

The 2019 Subaru Forester housed a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was a tad up from the previous model, but without significant torque improvements, initial acceleration remained unimpressive. Subaru dispensed with the turbocharged 2.0XT variant, limiting buyers to this singular powertrain option.

Subaru's symmetrical AWD and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) ensured functionality over thrilling performance. SI-Drive, standard across trims, allowed drivers to toggle between Intelligent and Sport modes, tweaking throttle response for a modicum of added vigor. The X-Mode terrain-management system further enhanced the Forester's capability across varied conditions, with dual-mode options available on higher trims. Riding in the Forester revealed a smooth and composed experience. Its higher ground clearance and excellent suspension absorbed road imperfections admirably. Despite the lackluster acceleration, the Forester offered commendable ride quality and fuel efficiency, averaging 28.9 mpg in combined driving.

In contrast, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a range of engines, beginning with the robust 3.6-liter V6 delivering 295 horsepower. For those craving more power, options included a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, a 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 for the SRT, and the monstrous 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk. An 8-speed automatic transmission paired with rear-wheel drive, with various 4WD systems available.

The Limited X variant featured the Quadra-Drive II, an active full-time 4WD system with a 2-speed transfer case, making it capable on and off-road. Despite its ruggedness, the Grand Cherokee's on-road behavior was solid, with responsive acceleration. Handling was smoother than expected for such a heavy vehicle, and its tight turning radius facilitated easy maneuvering.

Fuel economy for the V6 was less impressive, with my testing revealing an average of 18.3 mpg. Grand Cherokee's rugged prowess did come at the cost of fuel efficiency, but the driving experience, particularly in higher-output models like the Trackhawk, defied expectations with sheer performance capabilities.

The 2019 Subaru Forester improved slightly over its predecessor with a larger wheelbase, translating to more backseat space and an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This combination benefited both off-road adventures and accessibility for older drivers. The Forester excelled in cargo capacity, leading its class with 76.1 cubic feet in the base trim and 70.9 cubic feet in higher trims. The substantially widened tailgate opening further enhanced its practicality.

Inside the Forester, storage was thoughtfully designed with numerous cubbies and compartments, promoting Subaru's "Function First" philosophy. The tall greenhouse ensured ample legroom, headroom, and superior rearward visibility, a significant advantage among its peers.

On the other hand, the Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a spacious cabin with comfortable power-adjustable and heated front seats. Rear passengers, however, contended with hard plastic front-seatback panels, which could be uncomfortable for long-legged individuals. Storage solutions were somewhat limited but included essential elements like cup holders and small covered trays. Cargo space was adequate, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Subaru's Starlink infotainment system was a highlight, offering either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim. The system's user-friendly interface, responsive controls, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made it a standout in the compact SUV market. Subaru's EyeSight suite provided practical tech-based features like Lead Vehicle Alert, enhancing driver awareness at traffic lights.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee's infotainment was equally impressive. The Uconnect system, featuring a new interface for 2019, included a 7-inch or larger display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced voice-recognition technology. Pairing devices and using voice commands were straightforward, contributing to an overall positive user experience. My test vehicle boasted a 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system, though higher trims like the Trackhawk offered an exceptional 19-speaker Harman Kardon setup.

The 2019 Subaru Forester earned high marks for safety. Standard EyeSight driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Additional features such as lane-keeping assist and a comprehensive set of airbags further bolstered its safety credentials. The Forester's excellent visibility also helped drivers stay aware of surrounding hazards.

Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite older engineering, offered modern driver-assistance technologies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and semi-autonomous parking assistance. Advanced systems like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist were available in packages like the Advanced Active Safety Group. However, the Grand Cherokee struggled with crash-test ratings, receiving only a Marginal rating in small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver and a Poor rating for the front passenger from the IIHS. Its 3-star rollover resistance rating also left much to be desired.