Subaru Outback vs Jeep Cherokee vs Nissan Murano: Which Crossover SUV Deserves Your Driveway?

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

Shopping for a crossover SUV can feel like standing in the cereal aisle — there are so many solid options that picking just one becomes surprisingly stressful. Three models that consistently land on shoppers' shortlists are the Subaru Outback, Jeep Cherokee, and Nissan Murano. They're all midsize-ish, they're all capable, and they all have fiercely loyal fan bases.

But they're also surprisingly different once you dig beneath the surface. Whether you're hauling kayaks to the river, commuting through slushy winters, or just want something comfortable for the daily grind, one of these three is probably a better fit than the others. Let's break it down.

Subaru Outback: The Adventure-Ready All-Rounder

The Outback has been Subaru's bread and butter for decades, and for good reason. It blurs the line between wagon and SUV in a way that just works. Every single Outback comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive — no upgrade package needed, no extra charge. That alone makes it a standout in this comparison.

Key Strengths:

Standard AWD across every trim — unmatched in this class for all-weather confidence
Excellent fuel economy — the 2.5L base engine sips fuel while still feeling adequately peppy
Generous cargo space — 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.7 with them folded
Stellar safety ratings — consistently earns IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards
Rugged capability — 8.7 inches of ground clearance handles light trails and rough roads with ease

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, families in snowy climates, and anyone who values practicality over flash. If your weekends involve dirt roads, bikes on the roof rack, and muddy boots, the Outback was basically designed for your life.

Notable Weakness: The interior, while functional and well-built, can feel a bit utilitarian compared to the Murano's luxury-leaning cabin. The base engine also won't win any drag races — it's adequate, not exciting.

Jeep Cherokee: The Off-Road Credentialed Compact

The Jeep Cherokee occupies interesting territory. It's smaller than the Grand Cherokee but carries real Jeep DNA, especially in Trailhawk trim, which comes with serious off-road hardware. It's worth noting that Jeep discontinued the Cherokee after the 2023 model year, making it an excellent used vehicle value right now.

Key Strengths:

Trailhawk trim is genuinely trail-capable — locking rear differential, skid plates, and Jeep's Selec-Terrain system
Available V6 engine — the 3.2L V6 offers 271 hp for strong towing and highway passing power
Distinctive styling — love it or not, you'll never lose it in a parking lot
Strong towing capacity — up to 4,500 lbs with the V6, best in this trio

Best For: Buyers who want real off-road capability in a daily-drivable package, or anyone who needs solid towing capacity without jumping up to a full-size SUV.

Notable Weakness: Reliability has been a persistent concern. The Cherokee's scores from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports tend to lag behind the Outback and Murano. The base 2.4L four-cylinder engine also feels underpowered for the vehicle's weight. Budget for the V6 if you can.

Nissan Murano: The Comfort-First Cruiser

If the Outback is the hiker and the Cherokee is the trail runner, the Murano is the one who booked the luxury cabin. Nissan positioned the Murano as a premium crossover without the premium price tag, and it delivers beautifully on that promise.

Key Strengths:

Supremely comfortable interior — soft-touch materials, NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats, and a quiet cabin
Smooth, refined ride — the CVT and 3.5L V6 combo is tuned for relaxed cruising
Upscale design — inside and out, it punches above its price class
Strong V6 power — 260 hp standard across all trims

Best For: Comfort-focused buyers, couples, and empty nesters who want a refined daily driver that feels more expensive than it is. If your priority is a plush ride and a quiet highway cruise, the Murano is hard to beat.

Notable Weakness: Cargo space is the weakest in this group — just 32.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats. There's no third-row option, no hybrid powertrain, and fuel economy is the lowest here. It also doesn't offer the rugged capability of the other two.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Subaru Outback	Jeep Cherokee	Nissan Murano
Starting MSRP (last model year)	~$30,300	~$33,500 (2023)	~$34,500
Fuel Economy (combined)	29 mpg (base)	25 mpg (V6)	23 mpg
Cargo Space (behind rear seats)	32.5 cu ft	25.8 cu ft	32.1 cu ft
Cargo Space (max)	75.7 cu ft	54.7 cu ft	67.0 cu ft
Reliability Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Above Average	⭐⭐½ Below Average	⭐⭐⭐⭐ Above Average
Best For	All-weather adventurers	Off-road & towing	Comfort & refinement

So, Which One Should You Buy?

Here's the honest breakdown based on what matters most to you:

Choose the Subaru Outback if you want the best all-around package — great in snow, great on gas, great on safety, and endlessly practical. It's the sensible choice that somehow never feels boring. For families and adventure seekers, it's the one to beat.
Choose the Jeep Cherokee if you actually go off-road or need to tow a boat, trailer, or camper. The Trailhawk is the real deal. Just go in with eyes open about potential maintenance costs, and strongly consider a certified pre-owned model with a warranty.
Choose the Nissan Murano if your daily life revolves around highway commutes, road trips, and wanting to arrive feeling relaxed rather than rattled. It's the most luxurious cabin in this group by a wide margin, and it looks fantastic doing it.

Our overall pick? The Subaru Outback wins on versatility and value. It does the most things well for the most people, and its long-term reliability means your investment holds up over time. But honestly? There's no wrong answer here — it just depends on your life.

Ready to Find Yours?

All three of these crossovers are fantastic used vehicle options, and the best deals often come from sellers who are motivated to compete for your business. That's exactly how things work on autodice.com — you describe the vehicle you're looking for, and sellers come to you with their best offers. No endless scrolling, no haggling at a dozen dealerships.

Not sure which one fits your life best? Miles, autodice.com's AI car concierge, is standing by to help. Miles can answer your questions about any of these models, help you narrow down the right trim and features, and even assist you in scheduling test drives. Think of Miles as that car-obsessed friend who's always happy to help — except available 24/7.

Your perfect crossover is out there. Let autodice.com help you find it. 🚗