2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. The Forester's cabin looked modern but prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered before design choices. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems across all trims. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, a multifunction display, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Higher trims added features like 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite being a decade old, maintained a design that looked just right. It showcased traditional Jeep styling cues like a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, making it equally appealing on forested trails and at swanky valet stands. Prices ranged from $32,150 for the Laredo to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions available. The tested Grand Cherokee Limited X, priced at $53,275, featured a ventilated hood design, sport-themed front bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior materials disappointed, especially in models priced over $50,000, where the prevalence of hard plastic became more irritating.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement from the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of torque was noticeable, and the absence of the turbocharged 2.0XT trim, which offered 258 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque, was a letdown. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. Subaru's SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, offered "I" for Intelligent and "S" for Sport modes to enhance throttle response and power delivery. The X-Mode terrain-management system, available on all trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its off-roading capabilities, the Forester provided a smooth ride, with excellent handling and minimal body roll. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, offering satisfying acceleration and an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined. However, the test vehicle achieved only 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available: a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT with 475 hp and 470 lb-ft, and a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk with 707 hp and 645 lb-ft, capable of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee's 4WD systems ranged from a full-time single-speed system to the Active On-Demand system in the SRT and Trackhawk. The Limited X trim featured Quadra-Trac II 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case and Selec-Terrain traction control. On pavement, the Grand Cherokee's driving dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements. The steering and brakes were average, but the SUV's traditional feel was appreciated.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the base trim, while other trims provided 70.9 cubic feet. This was impressive compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan. The larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance were beneficial for dirt and snow. The cabin embraced a "Function First" philosophy, with numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided a commanding driving position with excellent rearward visibility, making it a practical choice for older buyers and those who valued utility.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat and 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded down, placing it on the smaller end of the midsize SUV spectrum. The Limited X trim featured heated and 8-way power-adjustable front seats, but lacked ventilated seats. The thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel and padded armrests added comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the center console and sizable door-panel bins. Grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks were a thoughtful touch.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system, available with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, was responsive and intuitive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's high resolution and seamless transition between Starlink and CarPlay were notable. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert feature, which provided an audible beep and graphic alert if the vehicle ahead moved and the driver hadn't noticed. This feature aimed to reduce the nuisance of distracted driving.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services, was a long-time industry leader. However, competitors had caught up in recent years. The system's voice recognition was easy to use, but the Grand Cherokee's ride could make it hard to accurately select virtual buttons. The Limited X trim included a 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available in higher trims. Unique to Jeep's Uconnect was the Off-Road Pages app, providing information related to off-roading excursions.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights, all standard across all trims. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Other standard safety features included a full array of front- and side-impact airbags and a reversing camera. The Forester's great visibility further enhanced safety.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). ProTech I, standard on all trims, included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. Despite these features, the Grand Cherokee's crash-test ratings were unimpressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and poor ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).