2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback presented a rugged yet refined appearance, appealing to those who appreciated a crossover with a touch of adventure. Its design incorporated chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias, which, combined with a robust roof rack, communicated its off-road capabilities. The Outback's exterior was best complemented by muted earthy tones, enhancing its adventurous spirit. Inside, the Outback maintained a balance between functionality and style, with minimal use of chrome and glossy black plastic. The interior featured easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display providing essential information, ensuring a user-friendly experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S exuded a classic, rugged charm rooted in its military vehicle heritage. Despite its black-on-black colour scheme, which was less than ideal for tropical climates, the Wrangler's design remained fundamentally appealing. Its high ground clearance and narrow width made it suitable for off-road adventures, while the removable roof panels and open-air driving experience added to its allure. The interior, though basic, was functional, with a focus on durability and ease of cleaning, reflecting the Wrangler's utilitarian nature.

The 2025 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Outback's ground clearance of 22 centimetres, increased to 24.1 centimetres in the Wilderness model, and its X-Mode system optimized traction on slippery surfaces. The Outback provided a smooth and comfortable ride, with light steering, smooth throttle, and powerful brakes, though its stop/start technology and CVT had room for improvement.

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 pound-feet of torque, offering a more fuel-efficient option with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable of tackling various terrains. However, its ride was rough, and its steering was slow and sloppy, with a concerning three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality with easy entry and exit, a low roof height for loading, and a low centre of gravity for quick direction changes. It offered 923 litres of cargo space with the rear seat up and 2,141 litres with the bench folded, along with a total passenger volume of 3,044 litres. The Outback's towing capacity ranged from 1,225 kilograms to 1,588 kilograms with the turbocharged engine. Buyers were encouraged to test drive different trims to find the best fit for their needs.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging, though its front seats were comfortable. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery and optional heated front seats and steering wheel added to its appeal. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The Wrangler's cargo space was reasonable, with 897 litres available, expandable to 2,050 litres by folding the back seat down, though accessing it required opening the tailgate and rear window.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though its Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system available. The dashboard offered a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a CD player and USB ports for connectivity.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S trim offered an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine system optional. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine starting, while the Safety Group pack included rear parking sensors.

The 2025 Subaru Outback came equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Touring and higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard, with optional advanced driver assistance systems available on higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available, while forward collision warning required the Sahara trim. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, with a Good rating for side-impact protection from the IIHS.