Jeep Wrangler vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid underwent a redesign that introduced a more cohesive look for its sixth-generation model. While it lost some of its distinctiveness, the new design featured a blockier shape with less body sculpting, giving it a visual heft reminiscent of a compact Ford Explorer. The rugged appearance was enhanced by black plastic elements, hinting at its off-road potential. 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 combined hard plastics with soft-touch materials in high-contact areas, ensuring durability and comfort. The front seats offered ample cushioning and support, while the hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats, adding to its appeal.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic, military-style stance with a distinct seven-slot grille. The removable doors and roof, along with the foldable windshield, provided a complete open-air experience. The Wrangler offered numerous customization options, from basic to plush trims. Our test vehicle, the Willys ’41 model, featured a special army green colour with matching wheels and a ’41 hood graphic. The interior was utilitarian, with rugged materials and a minimalist design, complemented by weatherproof floor mats and tan-coloured cloth seats. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the Wrangler's adventurous intentions were clear. The presence of hard buttons and dials for the HVAC system added to its practicality, while Easter eggs throughout the vehicle added a touch of fun.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder "boxer" engine, paired with a new parallel hybrid system. This setup, featuring two motor/generators and a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, produced a combined 194 horsepower, surpassing the standard Forester's 180 hp. The all-wheel drive system, combined with the hybrid components, offered better traction and consistent reactions off-road. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made it feel slower than it was. The ride quality was firm, with the larger 19-inch wheels contributing to some passenger jostling. Off-roading capabilities were enhanced by Subie's X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control, making it a versatile choice for both urban and outdoor adventures.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, and a 6.4-litre Hemi V8. Our Willys ’41 test vehicle featured the V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided ample power for everyday driving and off-road crawling. The Wrangler's maneuverability was impressive, with a tight turning radius that proved useful in both urban and off-road settings. However, the knobby off-road tires and upright stance resulted in rough handling and significant noise at highway speeds. Despite these challenges, the Wrangler's off-road prowess remained a standout feature.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid offered an unimpeded forward view from the driver's seat, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space, and the cockpit had an open, airy feel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by the standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and door pockets, while the cargo area offered 779 litres of space. The hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases added convenience for loading bulkier items.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler excelled in practicality with its 24.6 centimetres of ground clearance and ability to ford up to 75 centimetres of water. The four-door model offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the second-row seats, expandable to 2,050 litres with the seats folded flat. The swing-out tailgate and lift-up rear glass facilitated easy access to cargo. However, the high step-in height and tight rear seat space limited its practicality for regular back-seat passengers. Front seat space was also narrow, and storage options were limited.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen with built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views enhanced its off-road capabilities. The 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Trails Offroad app and onX maps offered trail exploration capabilities. Optional tech features included a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, digital rear-view mirror, and forward-facing TrailCam. Our Willys ’41 test vehicle included many of these features, enhancing its off-road functionality and audio experience.

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 advanced systems like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The top-trim Forester Hybrid added features like blind spot monitoring and a surround-view monitor.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler offered limited standard safety features, with advanced tech available at higher trims. The Sport S trim introduced options like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS awarding "Good" ratings in some crash tests but "Poor" scores for headlights.