Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer presented a classic SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a traditional design featuring a tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, a unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, with laser-etched knurling in the slots, and the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture allowed for independent suspension, and the use of aluminum and composite materials helped reduce weight. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer offered a luxurious experience with high-quality materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, setting it apart from the standard Wagoneer.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign, resulting in a more cohesive yet conventional appearance. Its blockier shape gave it a rugged look, enhanced by black plastic elements hinting at off-road capabilities. The hybrid model closely resembled its non-hybrid sibling, with only subtle badges differentiating them. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard centre section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with the front seats offering ample comfort and support. The hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats, and while some felt the Forester lost some personality, it gained broader appeal.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowed the Grand Wagoneer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. 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. With a maximum ground clearance of 25.4 centimetres, the Grand Wagoneer could tackle various terrains, although its size limited its off-road capabilities. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best suited for a leisurely pace, as its ride became bouncy at higher speeds.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid utilized a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine combined with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain featured two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, providing adequate acceleration. The all-wheel-drive system, combined with the hybrid components, offered better traction and consistent off-road performance. While the hybrid transmission made the Forester feel slower, it functioned smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and engine power. The ride quality was firm but manageable, and the Forester Hybrid excelled off-road with its X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, offering a balanced experience for both urban and adventurous drivers.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. With 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed, the Grand Wagoneer provided ample storage. However, its total cargo capacity of 2,667 litres fell short of some rivals. The vehicle boasted a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kilograms, and standard features included a sunroof and four-zone automatic climate control.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unobstructed forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats offered ample space, and the cabin felt open and airy. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. The Forester Hybrid provided 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience. While storage options were adequate, the Forester's upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The McIntosh audio system and 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot enhanced connectivity, while second-row passengers enjoyed a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control. The Uconnect 5 system, though occasionally slow to respond, offered over-the-air updates and screen sharing capabilities.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink system received praise for its user-friendly interface, with large on-screen buttons and intuitive menus. The Forester Hybrid also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and multiple external camera views for off-roading, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of its release. However, it offered a range of standard safety features, including 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 lane centring, with plans for a hands-free version in the future.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most categories and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features included Subaru's EyeSight suite, with frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The top-trim Forester Hybrid added rear automatic braking, blind spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. The safety systems functioned reliably, with the option to disable audible alarms for lane-keep assist.