Compare the2026 Subaru CrosstrekVS 2026 Jeep Cherokee

The Crosstrek has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Cherokee doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

To deliver safety and visibility under dusty conditions the Subaru Crosstrek’s backup monitor has a standard rear washer to keep the view clear. A camera washer system costs extra on the Jeep Cherokee.

Both the Crosstrek and the Cherokee have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Jeep With 63 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Jeep.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Jeep is ranked 19th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Crosstrek lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Cherokee doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The Crosstrek has 2.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Cherokee (16.6 vs. 13.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Crosstrek’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Cherokee are solid, not vented.

The Crosstrek’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Cherokee’s standard 65 series tires.

For better maneuverability, the Crosstrek Wilderness’ turning circle is 5.5 feet tighter than the Cherokee’s (34.8 feet vs. 40.3 feet). The Crosstrek’s turning circle is 4.9 feet tighter than the Cherokee’s (35.4 feet vs. 40.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Crosstrek has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Cherokee (8.7 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Crosstrek to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Crosstrek Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.3 inches higher than on the Cherokee (9.3 vs. 8 inches).

The Subaru Crosstrek may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 1000 pounds less than the Jeep Cherokee.

The Crosstrek is 11.7 inches shorter than the Cherokee, making the Crosstrek easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Crosstrek. The Cherokee doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The engine in the Crosstrek is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Cherokee. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Jeep. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 34% lower rating, Jeep is ranked 21st.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Crosstrek’s exterior PIN entry system. The Cherokee doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Crosstrek has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Cherokee doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Crosstrek as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.