The 2021 Subaru Outback and the 2021 Jeep Cherokee both make for solid picks if you’re in the market for a new SUV. Each offers plenty of space, and both can be had with all-wheel drive. But, when it really comes down to it, there are plenty of reasons to skip this year’s new Subaru Outback and choose the 2021 Jeep Cherokee instead. 

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is available with a V6 engine

If you’re after an SUV with a potent V6 engine under the hood, look no further than the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Though this year’s model comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, it can also be had with your choice of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 271-hp  3.2-liter V6 engine. 

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, is not available with a V6 engine. Instead, this year’s model comes standardly equipped with a 2.5-liter engine. It is also available with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. It’s not just that the Subaru Outback isn’t available with a V6, however. Regardless of which engine you choose, you can expect it to be less powerful than the Cherokee’s available V6 engine.

Tow to your heart’s desire with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Unlike the 2021 Subaru Outback, the new Cherokee aims to impress when it comes to towing capabilities. Choose the Cherokee’s available V6 engine, and you can expect this year’s model to tow up to 4,500-pounds. Opt for the Cherokee’s available turbocharged engine, and it’s still able to tow an impressive 4,000-pounds.

Unfortunately for Subaru shoppers, this year’s Outback isn’t quite as brawny. While the 2021 Cherokee can tow a maximum of 4,500-pounds when you opt for its available V6 engine, the Outback can only tow up to 2,500-pounds when equipped with its standard 2.5-liter engine. Upgrade to the Outback’s available turbocharged engine and, even still, the Outback can only tow a maximum of 3,500-pounds.

Prepare to hit the trails with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee is no stranger to a day at the trails. In fact, it was pretty much made for it. Opt for one of the 2021 Cherokee’s available 4×4 systems, and you can count on this year’s model to get down and dirty without any hesitation. Opt for the Cherokee’s available Uconnect 4C NAV with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and you can even get an inside look at your off-road stats using the system’s Off-Road Pages tool.

The 2021 Subaru Outback wasn’t exactly made to go off-roading. Sure, it has all-wheel drive and offers plenty of ground clearance. But unlike most Jeep models, the Subaru Outback isn’t Trail Rated. It definitely doesn’t come equipped to give you an inside look at your off-road stats, either.

Is this trail-ready SUV the right pick for you?

If you find yourself wanting after the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, we don’t blame you. While the Subaru Outback certainly makes for a decent pick, it just doesn’t have what it takes to outperform the 2021 Cherokee. Especially if you plan on hitting the trails or towing a heavy load anytime soon.