2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, becoming more palatable over time. Initially, the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were points of contention, but after seven years, the Cherokee's proportions seemed more balanced. The exterior appearance varied significantly depending on the trim level. The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and FWD looked quite basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding offered a more refined look. Jeep's knack for maximizing roof utility was evident in the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof, which covered the entire top surface. The Cherokee's distinctive design ensured it stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee from the front.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was designed to look more rugged and capable than the standard Outback. It featured 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal. The roof rack system was robust, supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, a black headliner, and Anodized Copper stitching. The Outback Wilderness's modifications gave it a purposeful and distinctive look, setting it apart from standard Outback models.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 180 horsepower, while the 3.2-liter V-6 delivered a more robust 271 hp. The top-tier 2.0-liter GMET4 turbocharged four-cylinder engine generated 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful option. Despite these engine choices, none provided exceptional acceleration, with the V6 and turbo-four achieving 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. All Cherokee models came with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which had improved over time. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled off-road, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. However, the availability of FWD versions aimed at keeping prices competitive was a notable point.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, which had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback Wilderness's CVT, while functional, lacked the engaging feel of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Standard AWD and a lifted suspension with 9.5 inches of ground clearance made the Wilderness capable off-road. The vehicle's approach, breakover, and departure angles were improved, and it featured a dual function X-Mode traction system. On pavement, the Outback Wilderness felt responsive but limited by its all-terrain tires. Off-road, it excelled, handling challenging trails with ease.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee occupied a space between the smaller Renegade and larger Grand Cherokee. However, it fell short in terms of utility compared to other compact crossovers. With 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 55 cubic feet with the seats folded, it lagged behind competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape. The Cherokee offered 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, making it competitive in that regard. The interior layout was simple and functional, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's quality. The base Latitude featured basic materials, while higher trims like the Trailhawk and Latitude Lux offered more upscale finishes, including suede seat inserts and perforated Nappa leather upholstery.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. Heated front seats were standard, but ventilated seats were not available. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat had 8-way power adjustment. Rear seat space was generous, with ample room for two adults or three children, and included rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 220-pound dynamic load rating and a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system, available with either a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. The system was user-friendly, with easy access to heated seat controls and climate settings. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only via wired connections. The Cherokee also offered a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, a convenient feature for various climates. The Uconnect system was consistent across Stellantis brands, providing a familiar and reliable interface for users.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control, most functions required using the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available on other trims. However, it featured PIN code entry technology, allowing users to leave the key fob inside the vehicle while engaging in outdoor activities.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS but received top "Good" scores in crashworthiness categories. The headlights received mixed ratings, with upper trims rated "Acceptable" and others "Marginal." The NHTSA gave the Cherokee a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available only on higher trims.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness did not offer Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology. The standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.