Finding the perfect vehicle for Pennsylvania roads often means choosing between Jeep’s rugged appeal and Subaru’s legendary reliability. The 2026 Subaru Outback vs Jeep Cherokee comparison is tougher than ever now that the Cherokee has returned to the market. We want to help you cut through the noise to find the SUV that actually fits your life here in Plymouth.
Pricing and Trim Level Value Breakdown
Value is usually the first thing on your mind when shopping for a new family vehicle. The 2026 Subaru Outback continues its tradition of offering great value right from the start, with an entry price of $34,995 ($36,445 with destination) for the Premium trim. Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) is included on every trim level at no extra cost. That’s huge for our winters.
While the 2026 Jeep Cherokee has finally made AWD standard, eliminating the extra cost for traction found in previous years, it still comes in at a higher price point. The new Cherokee starts at $36,995 (including destination), meaning you pay a premium right out of the gate. Subaru bundles premium features like LED steering-responsive headlights into the starting price, ensuring your dollar simply stretches further here.
Use a car comparison tool like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to check which features are included, as competitors often hide costs in pricey packages.
Engine Performance and Powertrain Options
Subaru remains committed to its proven Boxer engine design, offering a standard 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower or a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower. This horizontally opposed design sits lower in the chassis to provide a center of gravity that feels stable on winding roads like Germantown Pike. You will feel the difference immediately when taking a tight on-ramp onto I-476. The 2026 Outback offers smooth, predictable, linear acceleration.
In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is expected to debut with a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid system producing around 210 combined horsepower. Innovative, first-year powertrains can sometimes be a gamble regarding long-term reliability. So, we prefer the proven engineering that has kept Subarus on the road for decades.
Interior Space, Cargo Capacity, and Practicality
Practicality is where the Outback’s wagon-inspired design truly shines compared to traditional SUVs. You have a long, flat cargo floor now offering approximately 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a massive 80.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s perfect for sliding in lumber from the hardware store or loading up camping gear for a weekend in the Poconos.
The Outback’s lift-over height is lower than most competitors. This makes it easier for your dog to jump in the back without needing a ramp. Boxier SUVs like the Cherokee often have taller loading lips, which can be a pain during grocery runs.
Passenger comfort is another area where the Outback excels significantly. Your rear-seat passengers get ample legroom of 39.5 inches, allowing adults to stretch out comfortably during long drives to Philadelphia. The cabin feels airy and open thanks to excellent visibility in all directions. The 2026 Cherokee provides roughly 38.5 inches of rear legroom and 68.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. That might mean a tighter squeeze for taller folks and less room for your gear. Real-world usability matters more than dimensions on a spec sheet.
Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
Pennsylvania gas prices can fluctuate wildly throughout the year. The Outback is engineered to sip fuel conservatively, even with its standard AWD system. The 2026 non-turbo models achieve an estimated 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while turbo models see 21/29 mpg, and the Wilderness edition offers 21/27 mpg. Its aerodynamic profile helps it cut through the air more efficiently than the brick-shaped Jeeps. You’ll appreciate fewer stops at the pump during your daily commute along Ridge Pike.
While the Cherokee’s hybrid claims of 37 mpg combined sound impressive, hybrid systems often come with higher upfront purchase prices and expensive battery maintenance down the road. Subaru ownership costs remain among the lowest in the industry. That keeps more money in your pocket over the life of the vehicle.
Towing Capacity and Hauling Capability
Most drivers in Plymouth Meeting don’t need to tow a massive boat. You likely need enough muscle to pull a small utility trailer or perhaps a couple of jet skis. The Outback provides plenty of towing power, with the standard engine rated for 2,700 pounds and the XT turbo models pulling up to 3,500 pounds. It balances capability with ride comfort perfectly.
The Cherokee might match that 3,500-pound maximum tow rating on paper. However, that stiffer suspension often results in a harsher ride when you are not towing anything. You want a car that handles potholes on the Blue Route with grace.
Technology, Infotainment, and Connectivity
Modern technology should make your life easier, not cause frustration. The large 12.1-inch touchscreen in the 2026 Outback is user-friendly and smartphone-like, now complemented by a clear 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Icons are large and easy to tap without taking your eyes off the road for too long. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrate seamlessly to keep your maps and music ready. Jeep uses a 12.3-inch infotainment screen paired with a 10.25-inch digital cluster. While the screens are large, the Uconnect system can sometimes feel cluttered, with too many menus buried deep in the software.
Safety Ratings and Crash Test Results
Every Outback comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and consistently earns high safety marks, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. This system acts like an extra pair of eyes watching the traffic ahead of you. It can automatically apply the brakes if traffic on the Schuylkill Expressway comes to a sudden halt. Jeep often locks its most advanced safety features behind expensive upper trim levels. We believe safety should not be a luxury option. Subaru consistently earns top safety accolades because our innovative ring-shaped reinforcement frame protects your family.
Which SUV Should You Choose?
The choice becomes clear when you look at the total package. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a fresh face attempting to recapture its former glory. Some shoppers might even be cross-shopping the Grand Cherokee vs Outback, but the value proposition still leans heavily toward Subaru. The Outback delivers proven performance and unmatched safety for our local roads. It’s the vehicle you can trust to get you home during a snowstorm in Valley Forge. Stop by John Kennedy Subaru Plymouth today to test drive your next adventure vehicle.
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