2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin maintained a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, emphasizing utility over luxury. The trims ranged from the basic Sport with manual windows and locks to the off-road king Rubicon, which featured a lifted suspension and mud-terrain tires.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Ascent had a more conventional SUV appearance, resembling a scaled-up version of the Forester and Outback. The cabin design was consistent with other Subaru models, aiming for familiarity and comfort. The Ascent offered trims from the well-equipped Standard to the luxurious Touring, which included features like ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The Ascent's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a solid choice for families.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a variety of engines, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine came with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, delivering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. New for 2020 was a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, which produced 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine provided excellent low-speed torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Ascent's ride focused on comfort and responsiveness, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode system, the Ascent handled snow and light off-roading with ease. It was also rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a unique blend of ruggedness and versatility. The four-door model was popular for its practicality, and the removable doors and fold-down windshield added to its appeal. The Wrangler's roof options included a retractable soft top, a hardtop, and the Sky One-Touch roof, which combined a hardtop with a retractable cloth roof. With the rear seats folded, the Wrangler provided about 72 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than many less-capable SUVs.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent excelled in interior space and practicality. It offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Ascent could seat up to eight passengers, with an option for second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to seven. The first two rows were spacious, while the third row was best suited for children on longer trips. The Ascent also featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments, making it a family-friendly vehicle.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's technology varied by trim. The Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, real-time traffic and weather updates, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent came standard with Subaru's StarLink infotainment system, featuring logical menus and large icons. The base model included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen. Standard tech features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. Available upgrades included third-row USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning. These features were particularly useful given the Wrangler's unique sightlines and off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2021, thanks to its crash test results and comprehensive EyeSight driver-assistance suite. EyeSight included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and a feature that alerted drivers when the vehicle in front had moved. The Ascent also offered optional safety features like reverse automatic emergency braking, rain-sensing windshield wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.