2027 Jeep Cherokee vs 2027 Subaru Forester: Which Midsize SUV Wins?
The 2027 Jeep Cherokee delivers 39 city / 35 highway MPG with its standard Turbo Hybrid powertrain, versus 26 city / 33 highway for the gas Forester. The Cherokee matches the Forester's 3,500-lb tow rating and adds standard 4WD and a 68.3 cu ft cargo maximum. This page compares every key number side by side so you can choose with confidence, then check current inventory at Johnsons of Kingfisher.
The Short Answer
The 2027 Jeep Cherokee wins for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, standard hybrid technology, and a more spacious cargo hold. The 2027 Subaru Forester is the better fit for buyers who want a lower entry price, slightly more ground clearance on standard trims, and a wider range of trim options including gas-only configurations.
Both tow identically and seat five, the decision narrows to efficiency versus affordability and off-road ground clearance margin.
Full 2027 Jeep Cherokee specs and trim guide
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2027 Jeep Cherokee | 2027 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L I4 Turbo Hybrid | 2.5L BOXER 4-cyl (gas) |
| Horsepower | 177 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | 4WD (Jeep Active Drive I) | Symmetrical AWD |
| City MPG | 39 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 35 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 37 | 29 |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 in | 8.7 in (9.3 in Wilderness) |
| Length | 188.1 in | 183.3 in |
| Max Cargo | 68.3 cu ft | 74.4 cu ft (68.6 cu ft with moonroof) |
| Rear Legroom | 38.5 in | 39.4 in |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2027 Jeep Cherokee
Performance and Powertrain
The Cherokee's 1.6L Turbo Hybrid produces 177 hp and a torque figure of 221 lb-ft, which arrives at just 2,000 RPM. That low-end torque pull matters in real-world driving, particularly for highway merges and pulling a trailer at the shared 3,500-lb limit.
The self-charging hybrid system requires no plug, energy is recovered through regenerative braking and the engine itself, so the efficiency advantage comes with zero additional charging routine.
The Forester's naturally aspirated 2.5L BOXER engine produces 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Those figures are competitive on paper, but the 43 lb-ft torque deficit compared to the Cherokee is noticeable when accelerating from a stop or towing near the ceiling.
The Forester's Lineartronic CVT is tuned for smoothness; the Cherokee uses an Electronic Variable Transmission paired with the hybrid system.
Fuel economy is where the gap is most concrete. The Cherokee returns 37 combined MPG against the gas Forester's 29 combined. Over 15,000 miles of annual driving, that difference represents a meaningful reduction in fuel stops.
Cherokee powertrain and efficiency details
Interior, Space, and Cargo
Both vehicles seat five with similar shoulder room (57.7 in front on both).
The Cherokee offers 41.3 in of front legroom and 38.5 in of rear legroom. The Forester gives rear passengers 39.4 in of legroom, a 0.9-inch advantage that taller rear passengers may feel on longer trips.
Cargo capacity tells a nuanced story. The Cherokee's maximum cargo volume reaches 68.3 cu ft. The Forester's maximum reaches 74.4 cu ft on non-moonroof trims (68.6 cu ft when the moonroof is fitted). If maximum cargo volume is the deciding factor, the Forester holds a usable advantage on base trims.
The Cherokee's rear cargo area behind the second row measures 33.6 cu ft, while the Forester offers 35.4 cu ft.
The Cherokee's dual-zone automatic climate control is standard across all trims. Laredo and above add heated front seats. The Limited trim adds a wireless charging pad, heated steering wheel, and leatherette seating. The Overland adds a standard dual-pane panoramic sunroof and the Alpine 9-speaker audio system.
Technology and Connectivity
The Uconnect 5 system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital cluster display is standard across all Cherokee trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Alexa Built-In is standard on Limited and above.
The base Forester uses dual 7-inch touchscreens with USB-based CarPlay and Android Auto rather than wireless; wireless integration steps up with the Premium trim.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both vehicles lead with substantial standard safety coverage.
The Cherokee includes Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, Active Lane Management, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Drowsy Driver Detection, and an Intersection Collision-Assist System on every trim.
The Forester's EyeSight suite, standard on all trims, covers Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Lane Departure Prevention, and Pre-Collision Braking. Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert requires an option package on the base Premium trim and becomes standard on the Limited.
The Cherokee's Active Driving Assist System adds semiautonomous capability on all trims. The Forester's base EyeSight is thorough, but the Cherokee provides wireless smartphone integration on every trim level where the Forester reserves it for Premium and above.
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles carry identical warranty terms: 3 years / 36,000 miles basic coverage and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain coverage.
Efficiency is a long-term ownership factor. The Cherokee's 37 combined MPG (gas Turbo Hybrid, no plug-in required) reduces fuel costs relative to the Forester's 29 combined MPG on a gas engine.
The Cherokee also delivers 4WD as standard across all trims with the Jeep Active Drive I system.
The Forester provides Symmetrical AWD standard, which is capable in inclement weather and uneven terrain, but its ground clearance of 8.7 in on standard trims gives it a slight edge over the Cherokee's 8.0 in.
The Cherokee offers five trim levels spanning Cherokee Base through Overland, with progressively richer interiors. The Forester lineup spans four gas trims plus five hybrid trims for buyers who want the electrified powertrain on that platform.
The Cherokee's hybrid powertrain is standard across every trim, there is no gas-only Cherokee to choose between.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2027 Jeep Cherokee if:
You want the best fuel economy in the segment without ever plugging in. The 39 city / 37 combined MPG, standard 4WD on every trim, and a full-suite of active safety systems that includes wireless CarPlay from the base trim forward make the Cherokee the efficiency-first choice.
Shoppers in Kingfisher and surrounding areas who commute frequently or haul a trailer near the 3,500-lb rating will find the Cherokee's 221 lb-ft torque especially useful.
Choose the 2027 Subaru Forester if:
You prioritize rear passenger legroom (39.4 in vs 38.5 in), slightly more maximum cargo space on non-moonroof trims, or the deeper ground clearance of the Wilderness trim (9.3 in).
The Forester is also the choice if you specifically want the Wilderness off-road package or a larger-displacement naturally aspirated engine.
See the 2027 Cherokee vs Forester Difference at Johnsons of Kingfisher
The numbers favor the Cherokee on efficiency, torque, and standard hybrid technology. The team at Johnsons of Kingfisher can walk you through current Cherokee inventory, answer questions about the Turbo Hybrid system, and set up a side-by-side comparison drive so you can feel the difference on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2027 Jeep Cherokee need to be plugged in to get 39 MPG?
No. The 2027 Cherokee is a self-charging hybrid. It never needs to be plugged in. The hybrid system charges through regenerative braking and the engine itself, so the 39 city / 37 combined MPG rating is available to every Cherokee buyer on every daily trip.
Does the 2027 Jeep Cherokee or the 2027 Subaru Forester tow more?
Both tow exactly 3,500 lbs, so they are tied on towing capacity. The Cherokee reaches that figure with its Turbo Hybrid powertrain producing 221 lb-ft of torque, while the Forester uses its 2.5L BOXER at 178 lb-ft.
Which has more ground clearance, the Cherokee or the Forester?
The Forester wins on ground clearance. The Cherokee provides 8.0 inches across all trims. The standard Forester provides 8.7 inches, and the Forester Wilderness raises that to 9.3 inches.
Which has more cargo space, the 2027 Cherokee or the 2027 Forester?
The Forester holds a maximum of 74.4 cu ft of cargo (68.6 cu ft with the moonroof). The Cherokee's maximum reaches 68.3 cu ft. For raw cargo capacity, the Forester has the edge on non-moonroof trims.
Does the Cherokee have wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on all 2027 Jeep Cherokee trims. The Forester offers wireless integration on Premium and above trims; the base Forester uses a USB-based connection.
What trims does the 2027 Jeep Cherokee come in?
The 2027 Jeep Cherokee is available in five trims: Cherokee (Base), Laredo, Limited, Limited Altitude, and Overland. All trims include the 1.6L Turbo Hybrid engine and standard 4WD.
Can I test drive a 2027 Jeep Cherokee at Johnsons of Kingfisher?
Yes. Johnsons of Kingfisher carries Jeep inventory including the Cherokee lineup. Schedule a test drive at your convenience.
* The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, other fees required by law, finance charges and any documentation charges. A negotiable administration fee, up to $115, may be added to the price of the vehicle.
* Images, prices, and options shown, including vehicle color, trim, options, pricing and other specifications are subject to availability, incentive offerings, current pricing and credit worthiness.