Cherokee vs Trailseeker
The Cherokee and the Trailseeker are two different answers to the same compact suv brief, each with its own set of priorities. It’s a tight one. Few of the gaps between these two are big enough to change how the car fits into your day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trailseeker wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Off-road & Towing7.9
- Off-road & Towing7.9
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
-
The Trailseeker has 165 hp more power
Here the Trailseeker pulls well ahead of the Cherokee, with 375 hp compared to 210 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Cherokee | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Trailseeker leads
No contest in engine & performance: the Trailseeker is the stronger of the two. The Trailseeker gives you 165 hp more power. The Trailseeker’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Weighing only engine & performance, the Trailseeker comes out ahead.
Total system output
Cherokee: 210 hp Trailseeker: 375 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. For space & practicality, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Both the Cherokee and the Trailseeker cover off-road & towing equally well on paper. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The Cherokee and the Trailseeker list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Cherokee | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid | Battery electric |
| Engine | 1.6L turbo I4 hybrid (two electric motors) | Dual motor |
| Total system output | 210 hp | 375 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 230 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | eCVT | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Cherokee | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 281 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Cherokee | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Cherokee | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | 8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Cherokee | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Cherokee | Trailseeker |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Trailseeker if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (375 hp vs 210 hp)
- you already know your way around Subaru’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Cherokee or the Trailseeker?
On the specs compared here, the Trailseeker makes more sense for most buyers; the Cherokee doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Cherokee and the Trailseeker are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. It’s hard to argue with 165 hp more power, which is exactly what the Trailseeker brings.
The Cherokee is for you if the things a spec sheet can’t capture tops your list; the Trailseeker is for you if engine & performance does.
My pick: the Trailseeker.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.