2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2019 Subaru Forester presented a slightly larger and wider design compared to its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice was logical, given that the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester. Inside, the Forester's cabin maintained a modern look, prioritizing functionality over luxury. The vehicle was available in several trims, including Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring, each offering a range of features from standard LED headlights and symmetrical all-wheel drive to advanced driver-assistance systems. The Forester's interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring ample storage solutions and a user-friendly layout.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler was unmistakable on the road with its iconic circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. The Wrangler's design emphasized its rugged, industrial look, with features like removable doors and a fold-down windshield. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin embraced a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, focusing on utility. The Wrangler Unlimited, the four-door variant, offered trims such as Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, each catering to different levels of comfort and off-road capability. The Wrangler's interior was designed to withstand the elements, with features like a wash-out interior and in-floor drain plugs, emphasizing its adventurous spirit.

The 2019 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while smooth and offering a low center of gravity, was considered underwhelming in terms of torque, especially compared to the previous turbocharged 2.0XT trim. The Forester's symmetrical all-wheel drive was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), prioritizing efficiency over performance. Despite its lackluster acceleration, the Forester offered a smooth ride, with features like SI-Drive and X-Mode enhancing its driving dynamics. Fuel economy was a strong point, with ratings of 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a range of engine options, including a base 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine provided impressive torque, making highway driving and off-road adventures more manageable. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was characterized by road noise and a rough ride, typical of its off-road-focused design. Fuel economy varied by engine, with the diesel offering 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, a notable improvement over the gas-powered versions.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered a spacious interior, with the base model providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims offered 70.9 cubic feet. The Forester's larger wheelbase resulted in more backseat space, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance was beneficial for both off-road conditions and ease of entry. The cabin was designed with practicality in mind, featuring numerous storage compartments and excellent visibility, making it a functional choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, available in a four-door configuration, offered about 72 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear bench lowered. The Wrangler's design allowed for removable doors and a fold-down windshield, with various roof options, including a soft top and a hardtop. While the Wrangler sacrificed some cargo space and comfort compared to other SUVs, it excelled in off-road capabilities, offering features like locking differentials and a disconnecting front sway bar for enhanced off-road performance.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured the Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, depending on the trim. The system was praised for its responsiveness, high resolution, and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems was standard across all trims, offering features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control, enhancing both safety and convenience.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of infotainment options, starting with a basic 5-inch touchscreen on the Sport and Sport S trims. The Rubicon and Sahara trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch Uconnect system added navigation, HD Radio, and a premium audio system. The Wrangler's technology package also included features like a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and automatic high beams, catering to tech-savvy adventurers.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These features, combined with excellent visibility and a full array of airbags, made the Forester a safe choice for families.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler included standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, addressing the Wrangler's unique sightline challenges and enhancing overall safety.