Cherokee vs Solterra
It’s Jeep against Subaru in the compact suv class, and the Cherokee and the Solterra are the models carrying each flag. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Solterra wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Key Differences
-
The Solterra has 128 hp more power
Few buyers will miss this one. The Solterra brings 338 hp to the table; the Cherokee brings 210 hp. The Solterra’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Solterra leads
This is one of the Solterra’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the Cherokee falls well short. The Solterra has the edge with 128 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the Solterra gets the nod.
Total system output
Cherokee: 210 hp Solterra: 338 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Side by side, the space & practicality figures for the Cherokee and the Solterra barely differ. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Battery electric |
| Engine | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid (two electric motors) | Dual motor |
| Total system output | 210 hp | 338 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | eCVT | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 37 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 39 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 35 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 288 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 188 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 67.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Cherokee | Solterra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,000 | N/A (not specified) |
“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.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Solterra if…
- you want more power (338 hp vs 210 hp)
- you prefer staying with Subaru
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Cherokee or the Solterra?
On the specs compared here, the Solterra makes more sense for most buyers; the Cherokee doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Cherokee and the Solterra, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. The Solterra has 128 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing.
Think about your week. Heavy on the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Cherokee. More about engine & performance? The Solterra.
My pick: the Solterra.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.