Compare to the Newest Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (again)

[lucian688]

This is an extension of my original post: 2007 vs. 2008 vs. 2012+ (for Subaru Engineers, take notes)

We had another Jeep Grand Cherokee (GC) for rental before the Thanksgiving week & my take on driving the 2013 GC is very different this time. The 1st time in the new GC was in Dec 2011 in a Base 2012 Jeep GC (4WD; ODO 6000 miles out), this time was in Limited Jeep GC (2WD; ODO 1000 miles out). In 2011 I praised about the GC after the ~1000 'test drive', and almost bought it over the 2013 Outback. But now after having the 2013 Subaru, my take on GC has completely changed...

Impression when driving the 2013 GC: 1st of all, I noticed the amount of functions, buttons, even the vents, the markers on the vents, the design of the outside mirrors, the location of the upholders are extremely similar between the 2 vehicles. Jeep has a couple of extra features - HID light, Full Size Spare, Standard Remote Start, Backup Warning 'Beep' (I liked) & Extra Large Moonroof (w/ the annoying power inner panel). GC's seating is less comfortable with less support, harder. Although the lumbar support can go up & down your back, it doesn't 'hug your back' like the Subaru. GC's cockpit is like the Tribeca & overall the interior is not as 'modern' as the Subaru. Nav was awful to use (we end up using our own Garmin), backup camera showed images like oil painting (although the lens was clear). The step up height was still something to get used to since there is no running board...I've got long legs but shorter folks will have to jump in & out of the seat to avoid a sprain ankle. When driving, I like to judge the car by degree of fatigue after 2+ hrs of driving. In order not to get fatigued in the Jeep, I recommend going slow. I recall 4wd version handled better last year but the 2wd we drove did not inspire confidence. Now let's get to the most important aspect of a car (IMO), the handling.

The car plowed & it took a bit of effort to bring it back. During the 1st lane change in the GC I almost overshot the lane. Needless to say at high speed it was quite a handful. F=MA & at 1000+ ib extra weight, the law of physics cannot be argued. On the contrary, the 2013 Outback we drove through the Ozark Mountains put smiles on my face... it's almost like G35 but not quiet (where you would WANT TO Accelerate through turns even before hitting the apex). Off-road, the 2WD GC certainly didn't inspire confidence but I liked its beefy tires...& we came away fine through a short but rocky trail w/ steps; but my nervous palm soaked the steering wheel. I would not have had any doubt/less stress in the Subaru (other than fearing of a flat).

The bottom line: between 2013 GC Limited vs. 2013 Subaru Limited.... Subaru wins in nearly every category. The only pro from Jeep is that the Jeep is a little quieter than the Subaru but not by much, it's quieter at lower speed but only a smidge quieter when traveling 75mph or higher. However I would still go with the Jeep if I travel off-road extensively & I would only go w/ their top of the line off-road versions like the Trail hawk. Regardless how subjective my review is, I still like to add an American car back to our garage… maybe in 2014?

[WINGED V]

Jeep = handling ? Nah it's a jeep thing.
Doesn't Fiat own jeep ?

[jogosub]

Yes, Fiat owns Chrysler and it will take a few years for them to sort out engineering and design changes, such as suspension, new platform, transmisson(s) and engine(s). They started with redesigned interior in 2013 and watch out for them in the future.... Jeep will become a worthy competitor in their segment once they start global component sharing.

[Novablue]

Funny I also cross shopped the Jeep and the Outback. I liked the Jeep seats better. As for handling the Jeep is, well, a Jeep and not really designed for road handling, of course... neither is the Subaru.

Not sure I really have a point other than if I towed more I would have got the Jeep. Since I have only towed my Dad's boat once in four years, I got the Subie.

[lucian688]

One more observation, GC has rain sensing wipers... to me this has always been a gimmick & an insult to people's intelligence, it's like the richer you are the dummer you are…since this option often appears on higher end cars. Duh, honey is it raining? Should I turn on the wiper or maybe wait a little while? In the middle of the highway not a single cloud in the sky, the wiper suddenly kicked in for about 6-7 turns, coincidentally all lights (low beam & auto high beam) came on, interior lights/Nav screen all dimmed - to the level I adjusted for nightime driving. We thought the car had malfunctioned then realized it's because we hit a patch of little insects... tiny carcasses smeared on the windshield (if the wiper hadn't kicked in, I would've still be able to see clearly). Apparently the rain sensor can't distinguish insects with H2O. Now, if it had been sand, that windshield would've gotten a dry polish! Way to go!

[statueim]

Originally Posted by lucian688

One more observation, GC has rain sensing wipers... to me this has always been a gimmick & an insult to people's intelligence, it's like the richer you are the dummer you are…since this option often appears on higher end cars. Duh, honey is it raining? Should I turn on the wiper or maybe wait a little while? In the middle of the highway not a single cloud in the sky, the wiper suddenly kicked in for about 6-7 turns, coincidentally all lights (low beam & auto high beam) came on, interior lights/Nav screen all dimmed - to the level I adjusted for nightime driving.

The bolded statement for what you said is why I think all cars should have this standard if they come with auto lights. Having auto lights without auto rain detection means that I see a lot more people that I would like with their lights off when it's raining/snowing (making them are difficult to see) because they never have to think about their lights otherwise. I found myself starting to do this as well when I first bought my Outback. As a result, I turned off the auto lights so that I am in the habit of thinking about whether or not a situation requires my headlights every time I turn on my car.

[Novablue]

Hmm. I was very disappointed my outback didn't have rain sensing wipers.
That and speed adjusting radio I thought were standard features like power windows and AC.

[fatabbot]

My Hyundai has rain sensing wipers. Haven't tested them out as we haven't had rain in a couple of months. My guess is that they'll annoy the crap out of me.

The OB and GC wouldn't be cross shopped by me. Note I'm not saying that they shouldn't be cross shopped like some morons here will scream, rather I see them for different purposes. GC=rugged, inefficient. OB=efficient, not rugged. If I were to consider the GC, it means that gas mileage means nothing. Therefore, why buy the lighter, less substantial vehicle? Gas mileage does matter a bit to me, so....

The OB is the jack of all trades, master of none. For most people, it represents a good compromise over other vehicles.

[outbackpacker3]

Personally I like jeeps but I really don't think you compare them to the outback. They are two different vehicles and two different classes of vehicle. A Jeep is a full sized SUV and the Outback is a wagon and if you really want to stretch the description a crossover. They both have pros and cons but if you have to compare the two you probably would be better off with a Jeep because the Outback is not going to everything a Jeep can.

[subiesailor]

Outback is a Legacy Wagon lifted ie a car which has car like features such as a nicer comfy ride over the choppy SUV ride the GC has. GC is built heavier to do SUV things like towing heavy trailers and doing the JEEP duty of rough off road etc.

Two different class vehicles which your description is the basic difference between the two classes regardless of which vehicle you compare car vs actual SUV.