Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, presented a traditional SUV aesthetic characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. It distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille, which leaned forward slightly with laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer featured 20-inch wheels as standard, with 22-inch wheels available on higher trims, and its interior boasted high-end materials and features such as 24-way power front seats with memory and massage functions, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional Palermo leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a sporty appearance with its Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and a unique grille design. The interior was adorned with water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather in a grey two-tone scheme, complemented by metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels. While the StarTex material was practical, it had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable but unavailable option. The Ascent's styling was subjective, but the blacked-out treatment aimed to attract a youthful audience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabled the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds. The vehicle featured standard four-wheel drive with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a height-adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Despite its impressive power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace due to its bouncy ride and imprecise steering at higher speeds.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive provided a smooth driving experience, with a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system and 22 centimetres of ground clearance enhanced its off-road capabilities. The vehicle demonstrated nimble handling in urban settings, though its lane-keeping and lane-centring assistance technologies could feel unstable on highways.

The Grand Wagoneer offered seating for seven with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It provided more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Cargo space was generous, with 775 litres behind the third row and 2,667 litres with all rear seats folded. The Grand Wagoneer also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, though slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight.

The Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like triple-zone climate control and heated front seats. Cargo space was practical, with 458 litres behind the third row and up to 2,061 litres with both rows folded. The Ascent's wide rear doors and available captain’s chairs enhanced accessibility and comfort.

The Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers enjoyed a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, while an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, though occasionally slow to respond, offered over-the-air updates and screen sharing capabilities.

The Subaru Ascent's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, its voice recognition technology required improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, but the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system was not available for this trim.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and driver-attention monitoring. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring.

The Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It featured Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. While effective, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and its adaptive cruise control lacked refinement.