2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. The styling changes were evident, with smoother lines and less distinctive Subaru DNA. The Forester Sport model, which was tested, featured bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, adding a mature touch. The vehicle maintained its large-greenhouse shape, but with geometric wheel arches and a more decisive window shape. The interior saw improvements with StarTex material in the Sport trim, offering easy cleaning and a cohesive design with bronze exterior accents. The cabin had a more intentional look, with structural dash elements that felt premium.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, with its black-on-black colour scheme, was less visually appealing in a tropical climate. Despite this, the Wrangler's design remained rooted in its military heritage, offering a rugged and capable appearance. The interior was functional, with grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Wrangler's design prioritized function over form, with a focus on off-road capability and a design that could handle dirt, mud, and sand. The vehicle's appeal lay in its ability to go almost anywhere, despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern cars.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain was paired with a Lineartonic CVT and Subaru's Symmetrical AWD system. The Forester's engine was quieter than previous models, with improved noise levels at cruising speeds. The X-Mode system, standard in Canada, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrain. The Forester Sport's performance was stable and confident on various surfaces, with smooth steering and seamless X-Mode activation. Fuel economy was rated at 9.1 L/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway, and 8.2 combined.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a rating of 11.0 L/100 km combined. The Wrangler's four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and narrow width provided off-road benefits. However, the ride was rough, with slow steering and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The Wrangler's performance was more suited to off-road adventures than on-road comfort.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, increasing cargo space to 779 litres with rear seats in place and 1,957 litres with them folded down. The interior featured a dark headliner, heated front seats, and power-adjustable seating options. The Forester's cargo area was equipped with heavy-duty hooks, offering competitive space compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The interior offered comfortable front seats with cloth upholstery and optional heated features. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but storage space was limited. The Wrangler's cargo area was accessible through a tailgate and rear window, offering 897 litres of space, expandable to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, a Harman Kardon sound system, and Subaru's Starlink connected services with new capabilities like Valet Mode and Remote Vehicle Configuration.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional Alpine sound system. Jeep Connect offered adventure guides and GPS trail logs for off-road navigation. The Convenience Group pack added a digital display, passive entry, and remote engine starting.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Subaru's EyeSight suite with enhancements for 2025. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the 2024 model received high marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler included standard side curtain airbags and optional ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated it Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact.