2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was notable for its familiar yet distinct appearance that carried the iconic Wrangler visuals with some subtle yet telling enhancements. The vehicle’s unique identity was marked by minimalistic “4xe” badges and sky-blue accents, which included tow hooks. A standout feature was the power port at the left base of the windshield, signaling its PHEV status. Besides visual differences, auditory cues also set it apart; when the battery pack had enough charge, the Wrangler 4xe moved almost silently, save for the pedestrian notification system's hum, turning heads during our drive around Yosemite National Park.

The Firecracker Red paint job on our well-equipped Rubicon trim model certainly attracted attention, coupled with $13,000 in optional features, pushing its price to $66,690. The interior, familiar to any Wrangler aficionado, maintained the rugged, hose-me-out look with added touches of sophistication. Soft-touch materials such as leather on the seats and padded door panels provided an unexpected level of comfort. The instrument panel highlighted its PHEV capabilities with blue seat stitching, charging indicator lights, and specialized gauges and displays. Despite its functional simplicity, the Wrangler 4xe’s interior hinted at modern conveniences without achieving full luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, specifically the Wilderness trim evaluated in Bend, Oregon, was built for a different kind of rugged practicality. The Forester Wilderness aimed to please with its dark gray interior and water-repellent StarTex simulated leather, geared toward resisting the elements. Even with a base price of $33,945, it included an option package with a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, rounding up to $36,014.

The Forester’s exterior, always described as utilitarian, was given an overland makeover. The Wilderness trim's enhanced suspension provided 9.2 inches of ground clearance, facilitated further by chunky protective cladding and a matte-black hood decal—evoking a raccoon-like appearance. Its interior remained straightforward, with function taking precedence over form. The hard plastics and soft surfaces were combined to exude practical quality, even if they felt somewhat outdated. Nevertheless, features like the 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with physical controls and intuitive interface affirmed its user-friendly nature.

Overall, both vehicles had distinct personalities. The Wrangler 4xe projected an adventure-ready, modernized ruggedness, while the Forester Wilderness leaned into pragmatic functionality paired with an overlanding aesthetic.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s performance was driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, boasted an impressive 375 horsepower and an energetic 470 pound-feet of torque. The Jeep 4xe could travel 21 miles purely on electric power, offering a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. When running as a hybrid, the EPA-rated fuel economy was 20 mpg combined, with a total driving range of 370 miles.

Three driving modes governed the powertrain. The default Hybrid mode optimized power or efficiency based on driving conditions, aiding quick accelerations onto highways. Electric mode kept the gasoline engine off, using it only when necessary. The e-Save mode conserved battery power for later, beneficial in electric-only urban zones. In performance tests, the Wrangler 4xe accelerated to 60 mph in six seconds, demonstrating robust performance.

A detailed road trip to Yosemite disclosed real-world insights. Even with an overnight charge session, the Wrangler’s aerodynamic inefficiencies and high off-road orientation influenced its battery life and fuel economy. It averaged 20.8 mpg driving north from Los Angeles, and by the end of the four-day expedition, it had covered 757 miles, averaging 19.1 mpg and highlighting the driving nuances of a PHEV Wrangler.

In comparison, the 2022 Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While sufficient for day-to-day driving, this naturally aspirated engine felt sluggish at higher altitudes. Notably, the Forester Wilderness came equipped with a CVT designed to supply a 25% boost in initial torque, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds.

The CVT's eight programmed ratios alongside Subaru’s SI-Drive mode ensured satisfactory responsiveness. The dual-function X-Mode, now more adept at managing speed during descents, added to its off-road prowess. During our varied drive in Oregon, including off-road trails, the Forester Wilderness proved capable despite its engine’s modest power output. The suspension absorbed most road imperfections, providing a smooth ride. However, wind noise remained an issue above 65 mph.

The interior functionality of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was characterized by its tough yet comfortable setup. Entry and exit were easier for taller passengers due to high sills and grab handles. The driver's seat position offered excellent forward visibility, and front seat height could be manually adjusted. Storage space, however, was at a premium due to manual controls and off-road features like the hand-brake and transfer case lever.

Rear passengers, though slightly cramped, had access to air vents and charging outlets. The vehicle’s cargo space was 27.7 cubic feet due to the PHEV’s battery installation, with expanded storage to 72.4 cubic feet when the back seats were folded. However, the unique tailgate design occasionally hampered easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in practicality. Easy entry and exit were achieved through high seating hip points, and Subaru’s emphasis on durability was evident in the water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The redesigned roof rails could support up to 800 pounds when static, ideal for roof tents.

Passenger comfort was a priority, with rear air vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space was generous, offering 28.9 cubic feet and up to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down, making it one of the roomiest in its class. The ergonomics were improved with practical storage solutions and easily accessible controls, underscoring the Forester's user-friendly design.

Technologically, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon was equipped with Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system. It featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen encased in a waterproof surround, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. A WiFi hotspot was particularly useful during road trips. While effective and intuitive, this system lagged in speed and responsiveness compared to more modern alternatives. Unique to the 4xe were the powertrain-related data displays and blue charging indicator lights, which were informative and practical.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a similarly advanced tech suite, even in its base trim. Upgrading to higher trims like the Wilderness added an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium audio, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. Subaru’s Starlink connected services were comprehensive, and the PIN Code Access feature allowed secure access without carrying a key fob. However, voice recognition systems showed inconsistency in performance.

Safety features in the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe included several advanced driver assistance systems packaged in the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group offerings. Functions like blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic high beams were basic yet functional. However, the Wrangler’s IIHS ratings were mixed, with Marginal ratings in LED headlight effectiveness and driver-side small overlap crash tests. The NHTSA gave it a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

Conversely, the 2022 Subaru Forester introduced EyeSight 4.0, a camera-based technology with an expanded field of vision. This system included automatic emergency steering under 50 mph, which enhanced accident avoidance. In addition to standard features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, the Touring trim’s DriverFocus monitored for driver distraction. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it anticipated retaining its “Top Safety Pick+” status from IIHS due to excellent structural integrity.