2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved from its initial introduction, moving from polarizing to more accepted. The short grille opening and swept-back headlights, which once seemed disproportionate, had blended into a cohesive look after seven years in the market. The Cherokee featured a variety in its exterior based on different trim levels. An entry-level Latitude appeared basic with its 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive (FWD), whereas an 80th Anniversary Edition offered a refined appearance with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding.

Jeep's mastery in roof options was evident again in the Cherokee, with an optional panoramic sunroof covering the entire top surface. This design element allowed the Cherokee to distinguish itself amidst a sea of SUVs, resembling the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The Subaru Forester's redesign in 2019 carried forward a familiar look from its predecessor, making the 2021 model appear older despite being part of the fifth generation. The noteworthy change was the taillights, which showcased a distinctive cross shape. The Forester maintained a boxy, upright shape that appealed to many SUV buyers.

While the Base trim looked plain with 17-inch steel wheels, higher trims like the Sport introduced orange striping on the body and roof rails, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, significantly enhancing the aesthetics. The Forester's functional boxy design contributed not only to interior spaciousness but also to a rugged appearance, aligning with its sporty outdoor image.

The Jeep Cherokee offered three engine choices. The basic 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine provided 180 horsepower, standard in Latitude and Latitude Plus trims. The 3.2-liter V-6 engine, available in higher trims, delivered 271 horsepower, while the top-tier option was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 270 horsepower with 295 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration was adequate in all configurations, with the V-6 accelerating 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds and the turbo-four in 7.4 seconds.

All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that was praised for its fuel-saving capabilities and smooth performance. For off-road enthusiasts, the Cherokee Trailhawk stood out with features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control, making it capable of handling challenging terrains. However, the availability of FWD in the Cherokee was a compromise aimed at reducing costs for fleet purposes.

The Subaru Forester had a singular powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with a manual mode and paddle shifters in some trims. The Forester’s driving dynamics were defined by its boxer engine which contributed to a lower center of gravity.

While the engine provided sufficient power for everyday driving, it lacked the acceleration punch during highway merges and overtaking. Subaru’s technical setup, including standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and X-Mode for varying surfaces, underscored its rugged usability. The Forester's off-road capabilities were bolstered by 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard hill-descent control in Premium and higher trims.

As a midsize SUV, the Cherokee fit between the Renegade and the Grand Cherokee. It offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with them folded, which was less compared to most compact SUVs. Passenger volume was about 102 cubic feet, competitive within its segment. The Cherokee's interior varied greatly by trim level, from basic black plastic in the Latitude to upscale touches like Nappa leather in the Latitude Lux. Its simple and businesslike interior layout focused on functionality over luxury, appealing to those who prioritize utility.

The Forester excelled with its ample headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its upright structure. Its 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats down, surpassed the Cherokee. Though it lacked a sliding second-row bench found in some competitors, the Forester offered a power liftgate in higher trims. The straightforward yet robust interior design prioritized practicality and durability, making it suitable for adventurous lifestyles.

The Cherokee featured Jeep's acclaimed Uconnect infotainment system, offered in 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen sizes. The system was praised for its intuitiveness and quick response. The availability of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa integration added to the Cherokee's appeal. Remote start was another practical feature available across different climates.

The Forester's Subaru Starlink infotainment system came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen but upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. The inclusion of physical controls complemented the system's usability despite its slow startup. Additional displays in the dash and instrument cluster provided secondary vehicle information, although this setup could seem redundant.

The Cherokee fell short of top safety accolades despite earning good scores in most crashworthiness categories. The lower ratings in headlight performance and a four-star NHTSA rating highlighted its safety limitations. The Cherokee did come with a robust suite of standard safety features, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was exclusive to higher trim levels.

Safety was a forte for the Forester, earning the highest "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assist features came standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The unique DriverFocus system monitored driver attention, enhancing overall safety. Optional features like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking added further value.