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2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid vs. Jeep Cherokee
By Lancaster County Motors Subaru | Reviewed by Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager, and Ross Rodruan, General Manager | Last updated September 2026
Quick Answer
The 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid and the 2026 Jeep Cherokee are both hybrid-only compact SUVs with standard all-wheel drive, priced within about $1,000 of each other at the trims most shoppers compare: the Forester Limited Hybrid starts at $38,995 and the Cherokee Laredo starts at $39,995, both with destination included. The Cherokee is the newsworthy one, since Jeep dropped the nameplate after 2023 and brought it back for 2026 as an all-new, hybrid-only model with standard all-wheel drive. The Jeep has more power (210 hp and 230 lb-ft from a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid, versus 194 total system hp from Subaru's 2.5-liter boxer hybrid), a higher EPA combined rating (37 mpg versus 35 mpg), more cargo room behind the second row (33.6 versus 27.5 cubic feet), and more than double the towing capacity (3,500 versus 1,500 pounds). The Forester Hybrid counters with more ground clearance (8.7 versus 8.0 inches), slightly more maximum cargo space with the seats folded (69.1 versus 68.3 cubic feet), a longer published range, a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award that the Cherokee has not yet earned because it has not been rated, and decades of real-world reliability data on a nameplate Jeep is relaunching from scratch. Both carry 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties.
For the first time since 2023, there is a new Jeep Cherokee on dealer lots, and it is not the Cherokee anyone remembers: the 2026 relaunch is a sixth-generation, hybrid-only SUV with standard all-wheel drive and a 37 mpg combined rating that puts it squarely against the Subaru Forester Hybrid. Lancaster County shoppers have been asking about it because Jeep's badge carries real weight in Pennsylvania, and a 37 mpg Jeep that can tow 3,500 pounds sounds like a direct answer to the Forester. This page lays out the numbers honestly, including the several places where the new Cherokee wins.
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At a Glance
| Specification | 2026 Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid | 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (incl. destination) | $38,995 (incl. $1,450 destination) | $39,995 (incl. $1,995 destination) |
| Engine / Powertrain | 2.5L boxer 4-cyl + two-motor hybrid, Lineartronic CVT | 1.6L turbocharged 4-cyl + two-motor hybrid, CVT |
| Combined Horsepower | 194 hp (total system) | 210 hp (total system), 230 lb-ft torque |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard) | Active Drive I all-wheel drive (standard), Selec-Terrain with Auto/Sport/Snow/Sand-Mud modes |
| EPA Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | 35 / 34 / 35 mpg | 39 / 35 / 37 mpg |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.0 inches |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Cargo Space (behind 2nd row) | 27.5 cu ft | 33.6 cu ft |
| Max Cargo Space (seats folded) | 69.1 cu ft | 68.3 cu ft |
| Touchscreen | 11.6-inch Subaru multimedia system | 12.3-inch Uconnect 5, plus 10.25-inch digital cluster |
| Standard Driver-Assist Suite | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Active Driving Assist plus standard automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and more |
| IIHS Rating (2026) | Top Safety Pick+ | Not yet rated (all-new model) |
| Basic / Powertrain Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi / 5 yr/60,000 mi (hybrid components 8 yr/100,000 mi) | 3 yr/36,000 mi / 5 yr/60,000 mi |
Price & Value
On paper the two are close, and the destination charge matters more than usual. The Forester Limited Hybrid lists at $38,995 including Subaru's destination fee. The Cherokee Laredo lists at $39,995 including Jeep's $1,995 destination fee, so the lower starting price you may see advertised for the Laredo is the pre-destination number. Either way, the gap is about $1,000 in Subaru's favor at the trim level most buyers cross-shop.
What that money buys is different. The Laredo includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, heated front seats, a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but keeps cloth seats and leaves premium audio and wireless charging to higher trims. The Forester Limited Hybrid brings a heated steering wheel, an 8-way power passenger seat, rain-sensing wipers, animal-free StarTex upholstery and the full EyeSight suite at its price. Below the Limited, the Forester Premium Hybrid at $34,730 undercuts the base Cherokee by more than $2,000, which is the widest price gap in the whole comparison.
"The Cherokee's advertised price looks a little better than it is once you add Jeep's destination charge, and the Forester Limited Hybrid ends up about a thousand dollars less with more standard equipment. That said, if a customer needs to tow, the Jeep is the honest answer at this price. I always tell people to build the exact trim they want on both sites, destination included, and compare the bottom line rather than the headline."Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Performance, Power & Towing
This is where the Cherokee has the stronger spec sheet, and there is no point pretending otherwise. Jeep's 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pairs with two electric motors to produce 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, versus 194 total system horsepower from the Forester's 2.5-liter boxer hybrid. Jeep rates the Cherokee to tow 3,500 pounds; the Forester Hybrid is rated for 1,500 pounds. If a small camper, a pair of jet skis or a utility trailer is part of your life, that difference settles the question.
The Cherokee is also the more efficient vehicle by EPA numbers: 39 mpg city, 35 highway and 37 combined, against 35/34/35 for the Forester Hybrid. In practice the gap is small, and Subaru publishes a longer range per tank because of its larger fuel tank.
Where the Forester answers back is in how the power arrives. Early Cherokee reviews describe acceleration as adequate rather than quick and note the gas-to-electric handoffs feel less polished than competing hybrids, along with a ride that can be stiff. The Forester Hybrid keeps Subaru's full-time Symmetrical AWD and a mechanical connection to all four wheels, plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance to the Cherokee's 8.0. Jeep counters with Selec-Terrain modes, so both handle a snowy Lancaster County back road; the Cherokee simply brings more muscle and towing to it.
Interior, Cargo & Comfort
Cargo is another genuine Cherokee win, at least with the rear seats up. Jeep's new Cherokee is larger than the model it replaces, with 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats versus 27.5 in the Forester Hybrid. That six-cubic-foot difference is about the volume of a large cooler. Fold the seats and the two nearly tie, with the Forester Hybrid at 69.1 cubic feet and the Cherokee at 68.3, so for bulky one-off loads, bikes or a flat-pack furniture run they are effectively equal.
The Cherokee's rear seat is a more mixed picture: Jeep lists generous legroom and headroom figures, but at least one early Laredo review called rear legroom and headroom tight, and found the standard cloth seats uncomfortable on a long drive.
The Forester's strengths are its tall, upright greenhouse with exceptional outward visibility, wide-opening rear doors that make child seats easier, and the Limited Hybrid's heated steering wheel, power passenger seat and StarTex upholstery that wipes clean after a muddy day. The Laredo's hands-free power liftgate and dual-zone climate control are welcome, and the Cherokee's cabin is a big step up from the old model. In short, the Jeep hauls more behind the seats; the Subaru is the more comfortable place to spend a commute.
Safety Ratings & Driver-Assist Technology
The 2026 Subaru Forester earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the Institute's highest designation. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee has not been rated by IIHS as of this writing; it does not appear in the Institute's small SUV ratings or its 2026 award list, which is normal for an all-new model in its first months on sale. That is not a knock on the Cherokee's engineering, but a Forester shopper has independent crash-test verification today and a Cherokee shopper does not yet.
On driver-assist equipment, both come well stocked. Every Forester Hybrid includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Automatic Emergency Steering and Emergency Stop Assist, which can bring the car to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive. Every 2026 Cherokee includes Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Intersection Collision Assist, Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Drowsy Driver Detection, Rear Park Assist with rear automatic braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, and Jeep's Active Driving Assist, a hands-on system that centers the vehicle in its lane and manages speed. Jeep's list is arguably longer on paper. The Forester's advantage is that its system has been validated by IIHS as part of the award.
"I'm not going to tell anybody the Cherokee is unsafe, because nobody knows yet. It's brand new and IIHS hasn't tested it. What I can tell them is the 2026 Forester already has a Top Safety Pick Plus, they can check that at iihs.org in thirty seconds, and if Jeep earns the same award later I'll be the first to update this page."Ross Rodruan, General Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Technology
The Cherokee Laredo has the flashier screen setup: a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Uconnect 5 is one of the quicker, more intuitive systems in the segment, and the horizontal layout keeps climate controls visible. The Laredo skips wireless phone charging and premium audio, which Jeep saves for higher trims.
The Forester Limited Hybrid uses Subaru's 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it now runs a faster processor than earlier Foresters. Subaru's screen combines some climate functions into the display, which takes a little getting used to, but physical volume and temperature knobs remain. Both vehicles offer connected-services apps with remote start and vehicle locating. If a big, modern dashboard is a priority, the Jeep edges it; if you prefer more physical controls and an EyeSight-integrated display, the Subaru will feel more familiar.
Reliability, Warranty & Ownership Costs
Warranty coverage is a near tie. Both the Forester Hybrid and the Cherokee carry 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. Subaru adds 8-year/100,000-mile coverage on Forester Hybrid components; Jeep's hybrid-specific coverage for the conventional Cherokee is not clearly published as of this writing, so ask for it in writing before you sign.
The bigger difference is track record. The Forester has been in continuous production since 1997, its boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD are known quantities, and Subaru's hybrid system uses proven components. The 2026 Cherokee is a first-year vehicle on a new platform with a new-to-America 1.6-liter turbo hybrid. None of that means the new Cherokee will be unreliable, but there is simply no long-term data yet. Fuel costs slightly favor the Cherokee at 37 versus 35 mpg.
Which One Is Right for You
| If you want... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| To tow a small camper, boat or utility trailer (up to 3,500 lbs) | Jeep Cherokee Laredo |
| The most cargo room behind the rear seats for daily use (33.6 vs. 27.5 cu ft) | Jeep Cherokee Laredo |
| The best EPA combined rating and more horsepower (37 mpg, 210 hp) | Jeep Cherokee Laredo |
| An independently verified 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Subaru Forester Hybrid |
| The most ground clearance for unplowed roads and gravel (8.7 in) | Subaru Forester Hybrid |
| A lower starting price with more standard comfort features at the comparison trim | Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid |
| A hybrid with a long, established reliability history rather than a first-year relaunch | Subaru Forester Hybrid |
| The biggest touchscreen and a fully digital cluster | Jeep Cherokee Laredo |
See the Forester Hybrid in Person at Lancaster County Motors Subaru
Our team can walk you through current inventory, pricing, and a side by side test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee a hybrid?
Yes. Every 2026 Cherokee sold in the U.S. is a hybrid, pairing a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors for 210 horsepower, 230 lb-ft of torque and an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined. There is no gas-only or plug-in version.
Why did Jeep stop making the Cherokee, and is it really back?
Jeep ended production of the previous Cherokee after the 2023 model year, leaving a gap of two model years. The nameplate returned for 2026 as an all-new sixth-generation, hybrid-only SUV.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Forester Hybrid or the Cherokee?
The Cherokee, by a small margin: 39 city/35 highway/37 combined versus 35/34/35 for the Forester Hybrid. The Forester Hybrid still publishes a longer range per tank.
Can the Subaru Forester Hybrid tow as much as the Jeep Cherokee?
No. The Forester Hybrid is rated to tow 1,500 pounds, while the 2026 Cherokee is rated for 3,500 pounds. If towing is a regular need, the Cherokee has the clear advantage.
Does the 2026 Jeep Cherokee have an IIHS safety rating?
Not yet. As of September 2026 the all-new Cherokee has not been crash-tested by IIHS and does not appear on the 2026 Top Safety Pick list. The 2026 Subaru Forester earned a Top Safety Pick+ award.
Is the Forester Hybrid or the Cherokee cheaper?
At the trims compared here, the Forester Limited Hybrid is $38,995 and the Cherokee Laredo is $39,995, both including destination. The entry-level Forester Premium Hybrid at $34,730 is more than $2,000 less than the base Cherokee.
Which has more cargo space, the Forester Hybrid or the Cherokee?
The Cherokee has more space behind the rear seats, 33.6 cubic feet versus 27.5. With the rear seats folded they are nearly even, 69.1 cubic feet for the Forester Hybrid and 68.3 for the Cherokee.
About Our Experts
 | Jonathan Furukawa, General Sales Manager General Sales Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru. Jonathan has spent his career helping Lancaster County drivers compare their options honestly, including when a competitor's vehicle is the better fit for a specific need. |
 | Ross Rodruan, General Manager General Manager, Lancaster County Motors Subaru. Ross oversees dealership operations and is a frequent resource for local drivers researching Subaru models against the competition. |
Pricing, specifications, and ratings referenced on this page reflect published manufacturer and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data available as of September 2026 and are subject to change. Confirm current pricing, incentives, and availability with Lancaster County Motors Subaru, 1705 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, (717) 381-2871.
