2020 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a focus on incremental improvements. Built on Subaru’s Global Platform, it boasted a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-litre engine was updated with 90% new parts, while higher trims featured a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine. Externally, changes were subtle, with noticeable updates to the head- and taillights. Inside, the Outback introduced an 11.6-inch touchscreen on most trims and innovative DriverFocus technology, which used facial recognition to enhance driver safety. The Outback was available in seven trims in Canada, starting at an MSRP of $30,695, with features like heated front seats and adaptive cruise control standard.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, remained appealing with its classic Jeep styling, including a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. It was versatile, fitting in both rugged trails and upscale settings. The Grand Cherokee offered a wide range of trims, starting at $46,245 for the Laredo and reaching $71,045 for the Summit. The Limited X trim, priced at $62,140, featured a sport-themed design with 20-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior quality was a letdown in higher-priced models, with hard plastics detracting from the premium feel. Despite this, the Grand Cherokee's design continued to attract a diverse range of buyers.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre engine with 182 horsepower and a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. The Outback's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced safety, with a low centre of gravity reducing wear on components. Off-road, the Outback managed well with 22.1 cm of ground clearance, though it wasn't as capable as a Jeep. The Outdoor XT trim added features like hill-descent control and a more aggressive X-Mode for improved off-road performance.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-hp, 3.6-litre V6 engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering satisfying acceleration and a combined fuel consumption of 11.3 L/100 km. For more power, three V8 engines were available, including a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with 360 hp and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Trackhawk, delivering 707 hp. The Grand Cherokee excelled off-road, especially the Trailhawk model, with all-terrain tires and advanced 4WD systems. On-road, the Grand Cherokee's driving dynamics were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements. The steering and brakes were average, balancing daily driving and off-roading needs.

The 2020 Subaru Outback offered significant interior space, with 920 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The increase in width between the rear wheels contributed to this spaciousness. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The interior was comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The low load height and lower centre of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk, making the Outback a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided seating for five and 1,028 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,934 litres with the rear seats down. The Limited X trim featured heated, power-adjustable front seats, though ventilation was not available. The interior offered decent storage, with a centre console tray and door-panel bins. Rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and USB ports, with adequate legroom and thigh support. However, the integration of seat heater controls into the infotainment system was inconvenient.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing and mostly user-friendly. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the potential for improvement was evident, with the large screen offering a modern touch to the Outback's interior.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was known for its speed and ease of use, though competitors had caught up. The Limited X trim included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and smartphone integration. The system also offered Off-Road Pages, providing valuable information for off-roading. The optional Alpine audio system was decent, but not as impressive as the Harman Kardon system available in higher trims.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety features were a mixed bag. While the standard safety suite was impressive, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing unnecessary alerts. Subaru's EyeSight system, though standard, had limitations, often deactivating due to obstructions. Despite these issues, the Outback's AWD system and safety features provided a solid foundation for driver confidence.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with ProTech I standard on all trims. ProTech II and Advanced ProTech II added features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. However, the Grand Cherokee's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and poor ratings from the IIHS. Upgrading to higher trims improved headlight performance, addressing some safety concerns.