Subaru Forester XT vs Jeep Cherokee Limited

The price appears steep but the Forester has high customer satisfaction, a reputation for durability, off-road competence and, more recently, lower ownership costs. Subaru's capped-price servicing is $1003 up to 37,000km (about three years) and resale is 53 per cent. But the turbo XT version isn't particularly rich in features, highlighted mainly by the sunroof, six-speaker audio, cloth seats and reverse camera.

Jeep is extremely value-oriented and its rivals must be tearing their hair out. Limited gets a full leather interior, broad safety portfolio, satnav, power tailgate, 10-speaker audio and four-mode drive program. There is no capped-price servicing. It claims (slightly) better three-year resale value at 54 per cent.

Styling is functional, simple and all done in house. But it works. Cabin treatment is austere but high-quality materials and build quality are evident. Practicality includes fold-flat rear seats with a tall cargo area, 422L-1457L load space, genuine seating for five and an 1800kg tow rating. A flat underbody makes it capable in dirt and over rocks.

Cherokee's folded grille divides opinion but at least it's distinctive. The wagon profile is attractive and purposeful, with a bigger luggage area than the Forester at 700L-1667L. Will seat five though best suited to four. Cabin design is fresh with soft-touch surfaces and stitched dash top, though there's a lot of bright metal trim. Touchscreen works a treat.

The XT has a 2.0-litre boxer turbo (177kW/350Nm) mated to a constantly variable transmission with constant all-wheel drive. A selectable all-terrain switch enhances on and off-road traction. Subaru claims 8.5L/100km but needs 95 RON fuel. The flat-four engine pumps maximum torque from only 2400rpm. It has electric-assist steering and four-wheel ventilated discs. Weight is a modest 1589kg.

The Limited gets Chrysler's 3.2-litre V6 (200kW/316Nm) and nine-speed auto. Drive is part-time (all-wheel drive on demand) with a four-mode switch for varying road conditions, including dirt. Jeep claims 10.0L/100km on 91RON. The platform, shared with Alfa Romeo's Giulietta, is taut and space-efficient. It can tow 2200kg.

The Forester gets a five-star crash rating, seven airbags, electronic stability control, the surety of constant all-wheel drive, rear camera, low-beam xenon lights with headlight washers, hill holder and full-size spare wheel. Parking sensors would be helpful.

The Cherokee is a five-star crash rated wagon with seven airbags. Its safety arsenal includes tyre pressure monitor, front and rear park sensors, reverse camera, heated mirrors, auto wipers, bi-xenon headlights with an auto switch and self-dipping feature, LED daytime running lights and a full-size spare.

The latest Forester is streets ahead of its predecessors, more confident on the road and more predictable through bends despite its height. Performance is excellent (0-100km/h in 7.5 secs) but fuel economy dives when pushed hard. The 220mm clearance makes it quite capable. Plenty of cabin room and supple suspension make it an excellent cruiser.

Cherokee's V6 is quick, quiet and can be reasonable on fuel (11.2L/100km on test). The automatic is a bit jerky and not as smooth as its nine ratios suggest. Handling is good but the soft suspension is designed to maximise occupant comfort. It's one of the most comfortable off-road capable wagons available. Off the road it generally will match the Forester though the weight penalty and less low-speed torque can be restrictive.