2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent presented itself as a practical and utilitarian SUV, reminiscent of a larger Subaru Forester. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares that added visual strength. The robust roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels on most trims contributed to its purposeful design. The Ascent's interior, especially in the Touring trim, was noted for its stylish appearance, quality materials, and thoughtful details, making it feel like a worthwhile investment. The Abyss Blue Pearl paint and Java Brown leather interior added a touch of elegance, while the overall design was more refined than previous Subaru models.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic styling, with circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. It offered various looks depending on the trim, with options for painted or exposed fenders and different roof types. The Wrangler's design was unmistakable, resembling a toy truck for adults. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized function over comfort, with upright seating and limited legroom. The cabin featured drain plugs for easy cleaning, and the Wrangler Unlimited provided decent cargo space, though wheel-wells and roll-bars could limit larger items.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, providing good acceleration. However, the Ascent's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.9 mpg during testing, below the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The CVT's behavior was inconsistent, leading to uneven power delivery. The Ascent's handling was not particularly engaging, with slow and numb steering and a suspension that struggled on uneven surfaces. Despite these drawbacks, the Ascent excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode off-road traction, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It was available with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a 270-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, such as Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, catered to various off-roading needs. The Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-liter V8 engine producing 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, transformed the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse. The 392 also featured enhanced suspension, brakes, and a dual-mode performance exhaust for an exhilarating driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim, with soft leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was 10-way power-adjustable, and the armrests were well-padded. The Ascent's dashboard featured a useful shelf and ambient lighting, though the controls appeared dated. Storage options included a center bin, door panel bins, and a glove compartment. The Ascent accommodated up to eight passengers with a choice of second-row bench seats or captain's chairs. The third-row seats provided decent comfort, and the Ascent offered 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind them, expanding to 86 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered various roof options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, allowing for easy open-air driving. The Wrangler's cabin was functional, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and in-door cargo nets. It provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the wheel-wells and roll-bars could limit larger items.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent came with a Starlink infotainment system, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Premium trim added an 8-inch touchscreen, text-messaging capability, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Touring trim featured a high-resolution screen and navigation, though the voice-control system was outdated. The Ascent's navigation system occasionally misplaced the vehicle's location, causing frustration. The Harman Kardon speakers provided excellent sound quality, and USB ports were available in all three rows. The Ascent also offered a 180-degree front camera view and a PIN Code Vehicle Access system for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's Sport trim featured a basic 5-inch screen, while higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screens had crisp graphics and intuitive layouts. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled in the front grille. This camera provided a clear view of the trail ahead and had its own washer-sprayer for off-roading in muddy conditions.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on a global platform designed for exceptional occupant protection, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured Subaru's EyeSight system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Premium trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Limited included LED steering-responsive headlights and reverse automatic braking. The Ascent also had a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services for three years.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, lane-departure warning was not available. The Wrangler included a backup camera with dynamic guidelines and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading. The 392 model allowed real-time monitoring of tire pressures when driving through sand dunes.