Cherokee vs Outlander
If you’re shopping for a car in the compact suv class, the Cherokee and the Outlander are likely both on your shortlist. The scorecard favors the Cherokee, which leads in 3 of 5 areas. Its strongest showing is in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Cherokee wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Cherokee wins
- Space & Practicality Outlander wins
- Off-road & Towing Cherokee wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Outlander wins
- Engine & Performance1.0
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing7.9
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range3.8
- Off-road & Towing4.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Cherokee has better fuel economy
Big gap, real consequences. The Cherokee’s 37 mpg versus the Outlander’s 28 mpg changes how the two compare in daily use. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The Cherokee has 36 hp more power
The Outlander is clearly behind on total system output (174 hp against 210 hp), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Outlander has room for 7 seats
On this line of the spec sheet, the Outlander is in a different league: 7 seats, next to 5 seats for the Cherokee. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Cherokee has 1,500 lb more towing capacity
For max towing, the Cherokee leads by a wide margin: 3,500 lb versus 2,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
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The Cherokee has better city fuel economy
This is a headline difference. With 39 mpg to the Outlander’s 26 mpg, the Cherokee has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Cherokee starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
- Cherokee 188 in × 74.7 in × 67.5 in
- Outlander 185.8 in × 68.8 in
On overall dimensions, the Cherokee and the Outlander are separated by very little.
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 106.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Cherokee leads
In the engine & performance category, the Cherokee isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The Cherokee brings 36 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Cherokee is where you should land.
Total system output
Cherokee: 210 hp Outlander: 174 hp The Cherokee’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Cherokee: 230 lb-ft Outlander: 206 lb-ft The Cherokee’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Cherokee leads
This is one of the Cherokee’s strongest areas. On fuel economy & range, the Outlander falls well short. The Cherokee adds better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If this section decides it for you, choose the Cherokee.
Fuel economy (combined)
Cherokee: 37 mpg Outlander: 28 mpg The Cherokee uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Cherokee: 39 mpg Outlander: 26 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Cherokee has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Outlander leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the Outlander leads the space & practicality section with room to spare. The Outlander comes with room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. That makes the Outlander the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Seats
Cherokee: 5 seats Outlander: 7 seats The Outlander has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Cherokee leads
The Cherokee dominates the off-road & towing section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The Cherokee takes this one with 1,500 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. If off-road & towing is your priority, the Cherokee is the car to pick.
Max towing
Cherokee: 3,500 lb Outlander: 2,000 lb If you tow regularly, the Cherokee’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on safety & tech; the numbers are close throughout. On safety & tech alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid (two electric motors) | 1.5L turbo I4 mild hybrid |
| Total system output | 210 hp (winner) | 174 hp |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft (winner) | 206 lb-ft |
| Transmission | eCVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD (S-AWC AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 37 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 39 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg (winner) | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 14.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 10.9 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 64.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb (winner) | 2,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | 68.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 106.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Cherokee | Outlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,000 | $29,995 (winner) Lowest price in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Choosing the Outlander saves $5,005 at launch prices, which is nice but not decisive. The Outlander saves $5,005, but the Cherokee answers with better fuel economy and 36 hp more power.
These are US launch prices, recorded October 2025; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Cherokee if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (37 mpg vs 28 mpg combined)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (210 hp vs 174 hp)
- you tow a camper, boat or trailer (3,500 lb vs 2,000 lb)
- you mostly drive in town (39 mpg vs 26 mpg in the city)
Choose the Outlander if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you’d rather keep $5,005 in your pocket
- you’re comfortable with how Mitsubishi does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Cherokee or the Outlander?
The Cherokee makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if your top priority is room for 7 seats.
Which is larger, the Cherokee or the Outlander?
The Cherokee and the Outlander are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Is the Cherokee cheaper than the Outlander?
At launch, the Outlander undercut the Cherokee by $5,005. These figures are as of October 2025, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Jeep’s Cherokee versus Mitsubishi’s Outlander. The Cherokee earns my vote first and foremost with better fuel economy. I also like that the Cherokee brings 36 hp more power. The Outlander’s strongest argument is room for 7 seats.
Put simply, the Cherokee suits people who care about engine & performance, while the Outlander suits people who put space & practicality first.
My pick: the Cherokee, and I’d only look at the Outlander if you’d rather have room for 7 seats on the Outlander.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.