Jeep Patriot vs Subaru Forester

Reviewed by the 247VehicleCheck Data Team — automotive data reviewers

This page compares the Jeep Patriot and the Subaru Forester across the 8 model years both appear in our data (2010–2017). Both are classed as SUV on this site. Both average about 30 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Jeep Patriot (1.9 against 8.6), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.

Head-to-Head: 2010–2017

MeasureJeep PatriotSubaru Forester
Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK)3030
Average CO₂ (g/km)218223
Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA)$2,700$2,706
Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA0 of 44 of 7
Average recall campaigns per model year1.98.6
Average owner complaints per model year296326
Engine options across these years23

Year by Year

YearJeep Patriot MPG (UK)NHTSARecallsComplaintsSubaru Forester MPG (UK)NHTSARecallsComplaints
201030—218826—17262
201130—4326284★16147
201230—4354284★15105
2013304★1120284★1277
2014304★2548325★2403
201530—1315325★3614
2016304★1458325★3415
2017304★059345★1586

MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Jeep Patriot · Subaru Forester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more fuel-efficient, the Jeep Patriot or the Subaru Forester?

Both average about 30 mpg (UK) on their most efficient configurations. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.

Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?

The Jeep Patriot has 0 of 4 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Subaru Forester has 4 of 7. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.

Which has more recalls and owner complaints?

Per model year, the Jeep Patriot averages 1.9 recall campaigns and 296 owner complaints; the Subaru Forester averages 8.6 and 326. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.

Where do these comparison figures come from?

Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.

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