2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was instantly recognizable on the road with its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy styling. Its industrial look was accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the removable top added to its rugged persona. Inside, the Wrangler's cabin maintained a retro look with circular climate vents and gauges, emphasizing utility over luxury. The trims ranged from the basic Sport with manual windows and locks to the upscale Sahara and the off-road king, Rubicon, each offering varying levels of comfort and technology.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, retained a familiar and comfortable feel. Its interior was fresher compared to the smaller Crosstrek, especially with the 11.6-inch portrait display available on Premium and above trims. Quality materials and thoughtful design were evident, with the Onyx Edition XT featuring durable StarTex upholstery. The exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling with high gray cladding for protection. The Outback's design focused on practicality and comfort, making it a reliable choice for long-distance cruising.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offered a base 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque was also available. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine delivered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for off-road adventures. Despite its off-road prowess, the Wrangler's on-road performance was less refined, with significant road noise and a rough ride. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT trim's 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine offered a significant improvement with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better acceleration and refinement. Fuel economy for the turbo XT was 23 mpg city and 30 highway, slightly lower than the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The Outback's ride comfort and handling were well-suited for long-distance travel, with excellent off-road capability thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, with its four-door configuration, offered versatility with removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and various roof options, including a soft top, hardtop, and the Sky One-Touch roof. Cargo space was 72 cubic feet with the rear bench lowered, less than some less-capable SUVs. The Wrangler's interior was designed for rugged use, with features like an in-floor drain plug for easy cleaning.

The 2021 Subaru Outback provided ample interior space with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, free of intrusive elements. The Outback's cabin offered excellent headroom and legroom, comfortable seating, and superb outward visibility. Storage solutions were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler's Sport and Sport S trims featured a basic 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available as an option on the Sport S. An 8.4-inch Uconnect system with navigation, HD Radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was optional on the Sahara and Rubicon, along with an Alpine premium audio system.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles. The base model's dual-screen setup was less cohesive than the single large screen available on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional navigation. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, provided adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system's reliance on cameras without radar supplementation limited its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages included rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on select trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and an overall five-star rating from NHTSA.