2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly similar to the 2019 model, had 90% new parts. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly noticeable in the head- and taillights. Inside, the 2020 Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen for all but the base trim, which had dual 7-inch screens. The innovative DriverFocus tech used infrared to detect and notify sleepy or distracted drivers, adding a touch of luxury.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic styling, with circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. Depending on the trim, the Wrangler could have painted or exposed fenders, a soft top or hardtop, but its core elements remained unmistakable. The Wrangler was not built for comfort; it had upright seating, limited legroom, and manual seat adjustments. However, for the right driver, these were charming quirks. The Wrangler Unlimited came in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with special editions like Willys and 80th Anniversary adding unique touches.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured a 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over 2019, and improved fuel efficiency at 26 mpg city and 33 highway. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and better handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability. However, its approach, departure, and breakover angles limited its off-road prowess compared to a Jeep.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, 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 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, turning the Wrangler into an off-road supercar. The Wrangler had three 4WD systems: Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, with the latter offering front-and-rear locking differentials and a disconnectable front sway bar for serious off-roading.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, a station wagon, offered 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The increased width between the rear wheels contributed to a 1-cu-ft increase in passenger volume and a 2.4-cu-ft increase in overall volume. The Outback provided ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers, and excellent visibility, though the rear quarters had a significant blind spot. The low load height and lower center of gravity improved handling and reduced rollover risk.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered multiple top options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top, premium black cloth soft top, and the Freedom top, a three-piece hardtop. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, a retractable canvas panel. The Wrangler’s cabin was functional, with small storage spaces and drain plugs for easy cleaning. It provided 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, wheel-wells and roll-bars made fitting larger items challenging.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually appealing but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s lag affected navigation, radio station changes, and even volume control. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler’s Sport trim came with 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 featured a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera nestled between the front grille slats, providing a clear view of the trail ahead.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the optical system could be obstructed by weather conditions, causing it to turn off. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was overly sensitive and often gave false alerts, making it more of a distraction.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional modern driver-assistance features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. However, these features were not standard, and lane-departure warning was unavailable. The Wrangler did come with a backup camera and a live tire-pressure monitoring system, useful for off-roading.