VS
At a Glance
Power
200hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
221lb-ft @ 1750
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
27 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Jeep Compass and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Jeep Compass delivers 200hp @ 5000 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Compass returns 27 mpg est. while the Forester uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $29,550 for the Compass and $41,595 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Jeep CompassLatitude Altitude 4x4 2026 - From $29,550
Subaru ForesterTouring AWD 2026 - From $41,595
Performance
Power Output (hp)
200hp @ 5000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
221lb-ft @ 1750
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic w/OD
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
32mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.5gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173.4in
183.3in
Width (in)
73.8in
72in
Height (in)
64.8in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
103.8in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3620lbs
3664lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Jeep Compass
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Compass
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Compass
Practicality
Compass
Pros & Cons
Jeep Compass
Lower starting price ($29,550)
Higher towing capacity (2000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (27 mpg est.)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Compass or Forester?
The Compass gets 27 mpg est. and the Forester gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Compass or Forester?
The Compass produces 200hp @ 5000 and 221lb-ft @ 1750 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Compass is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Compass and Forester?
The Compass starts from $29,550 and the Forester from $41,595. The Compass is cheaper by $12,045 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Compass or Forester?
The Compass has a braked towing capacity of 2000lbs and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Compass or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.