2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a standout with its elevated stance and rugged design, which blurred the lines between a traditional station wagon and a more adventurous vehicle akin to a Jeep. It featured 23 centimetres of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers that improved its approach and departure angles. The Outback Wilderness also boasted unique design elements such as a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, along with a matte black hood decal to reduce glare. The exclusive Geyser Blue paint and a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load added to its appeal. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching. While the interior lacked ventilated seats, it offered heated ones, along with a black headliner and Gunmetal Gray trim, creating a cohesive and purposeful design.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler presented a more traditional off-road aesthetic with its iconic design and multiple customization options. Buyers could choose between two-door and four-door body styles, and a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Wrangler's design was further enhanced by its four core trim levels—Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon—and numerous special editions. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the four-door Sport S trim and included features like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's rugged charm was complemented by its Hydro Blue paint and a host of optional packages, making it a versatile choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This powertrain provided ample performance for a midsize crossover SUV, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.9 on the highway, though real-world testing showed an average of 11.0 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The Outback's CVT, while functional, lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch automatic transmission, but its all-wheel-drive system and 23 cm ground clearance made it adept off-road. The Wilderness trim featured gloss-black 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities. With improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, the Outback Wilderness excelled in challenging terrains, thanks to its dual function X-Mode traction system and hill descent control.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 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 well-suited for slippery conditions. Fuel consumption was higher, with an average of 14.0 L/100 km over a week of testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its loud cabin, vague steering, and touchy brakes. Despite these quirks, the Wrangler offered an immersive and adventurous driving experience, especially with the top and doors removed. Its off-road prowess was unmatched, providing a sense of freedom and excitement for those seeking adventure.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather that kept moisture at bay. While the seats were heated, the lack of ventilation made them uncomfortable in hot weather. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat had 4-way manual adjustment. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous head and legroom, along with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat. The Outback's robust roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was rugged and functional, with cloth upholstery and durable materials. The driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard, requiring some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some challenges posed by the spare tire and roof design. Rear-seat passengers faced entry and exit difficulties but found comfortable accommodations once inside. The Wrangler offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the seat folded down. Storage options were limited, but the Wrangler's design prioritized off-road capability over interior refinement.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system lacked natural voice recognition, it provided essential connectivity features. However, the absence of a premium audio system was a notable omission for a vehicle targeting a higher-income demographic.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While the larger Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features, the basic setup met most needs. The Wrangler included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during colder months.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional rather than standard, highlighting the need for cautious driving.