2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between the classic two-door and the more practical four-door body style, catering to different preferences. Buyers could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a gasoline-powered V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic, and four-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions like the Willys and Willys Sport, Sahara High Altitude, and Wrangler Rubicon 392. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, was a special edition in the US market, featuring options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade. Despite its rugged appeal, the Wrangler's interior was basic, with durable cloth upholstery and floor drain plugs for easy cleaning.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The Outback's aggressive appearance was complemented by a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim. The Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, was one of seven trim designations, offering a more audacious look. The Outback was available with a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in trims like Convenience, Touring, Onyx Edition, and Limited, while the turbocharged XT models offered more power. The Limited trim, with Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, provided a luxurious interior with contrasting leather, dashboard, and door panels. Despite some hard plastic trim, the Outback's interior was upscale and cohesive, with excellent visibility and practical features like flat and textured door sills for easy roof rack access.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, delivering 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system, the Wrangler was designed for challenging weather conditions. However, it was known for its high fuel consumption, averaging 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and rough ride, but it offered an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top open and doors removed. Despite its quirks, the Wrangler was beloved for its off-road capabilities and sense of freedom.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a standard 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the CVT made good use of the engine at lower speeds, the Outback lacked passing and climbing power. It averaged 9.2 L/100 km, slightly higher than expected. The turbocharged XT models offered a more powerful 2.4-litre flat-four engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but at a higher cost and reduced fuel efficiency. The Outback's suspension was well-tuned, offering a firm ride at lower speeds and excellent comfort at higher speeds. It handled well, with decent steering and capable brakes, but the standard engine left something to be desired in terms of power.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged and functional, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. However, getting in and out was challenging, especially with a raised suspension. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility was mixed, with some areas offering excellent views and others compromised by the spare tire and roof design. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was generous, with 898 litres behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded down. Storage options were limited, with small trays and netting for smaller items.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility and comfort, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat. The Limited trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Outback's interior was spacious, with ample legroom and storage options, including a dashboard storage shelf and a robust roof rack. Cargo space was generous, with 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded down. The Outback's design made it easy to get in and out, with height-adjustable front seats and a supportive rear seat cushion.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The Wrangler included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with access to Subaru's Starlink connected services. Depending on the trim, a navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio system were available. The voice recognition system was limited, but the wireless smartphone connectivity reduced clutter. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional, and the Wrangler required extra care when driving.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight system, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system added new features like Automatic Emergency Steering and a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.