2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was a testament to Jeep's commitment to blending heritage with modernity. The iconic seven-slot grille returned, now with active shutters for improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. The Grand Cherokee 4xe was available only as a two-row, five-passenger SUV, unlike its gas-powered counterparts that offered a three-row option. The trim lineup included the base 4xe, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with the High Altitude package adding extra style. The Overland trim, with its silver paint, black roof, and 20-inch wheels, exuded a rugged yet upscale vibe. Inside, the Grand Cherokee 4xe felt comfortable and almost luxurious, with leather seats, wood and metal accents, and heated and ventilated front seats. However, the presence of hard plastic materials below the hip point raised concerns about durability and noise over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift that gave it a more aggressive appearance. The new front end featured redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold design. The Outback was available in six trim levels, with the Onyx Edition now accessible with the base powertrain. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim in Cosmic Blue paint, boasted Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery. The interior was upscale and cohesive, with light gray contrast stitching and a well-designed dashboard. Despite some hard plastic trim, the materials didn't feel cheap, and the flat, textured door sills were practical for using the roof rack. The only downside was the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim, which easily collected dust and smudges.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe's standout feature was its plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine paired with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack delivered an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, resulting in 56 MPGe and a total driving range of 470 miles. The battery provided 25 miles of all-electric driving range, and an electronic front-axle disconnect helped save fuel. The Grand Cherokee 4xe offered three E Select powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. Regenerative braking and Max Regen setting allowed for one-pedal driving. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II systems, with the Trailhawk trim offering 10.9 inches of ground clearance and a 24-inch wading depth. However, the 4xe's towing capacity was limited to 6,000 pounds, less than its V6 and V8 counterparts.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but our test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA rated it at 28 mpg combined, but we achieved only 25.6 mpg. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing better performance but lower fuel efficiency. All Outback models came with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The Outback excelled in city driving with its excellent visibility and maneuverability. However, the standard engine's lack of power and the CVT's noise during acceleration were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, unlike its gas-powered sibling, was not available as an L model with a third row. However, it offered ample space for passengers in its two rows. Folding the second row expanded cargo space from 37.7 cubic feet to 70.8 cubic feet. The air suspension's quick-down function facilitated easy loading and unloading. Despite the Texas heat during testing, the standard heated steering wheel promised comfort in colder climates.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility without compromising comfort. Our Touring test vehicle featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback's high ground clearance and height-adjustable front seats made entry and exit easy. Cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The flat, textured door sills served as practical steps for accessing the roof rack. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the center console.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, an Android-powered interface with customization options like My Pages. The Grand Cherokee 4xe included multiple screens, such as a 10.25-inch front-passenger display and a frameless 10.25-inch digital driver information display. A wireless charging pad was optional, and four USB ports were standard. Optional dual rear-seat entertainment screens ran Amazon's Fire TV for Auto. The 19-speaker McIntosh stereo, available on higher trims, was a standout feature.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, came with an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system. Physical controls included volume and tuning knobs, climate control buttons, and defroster buttons. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Starlink system's usability had improved, but the voice recognition system was unreliable. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe offered a mix of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection-collision assist, night vision, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A hands-off driver assistance feature suite was announced but required additional hardware. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had crash-tested the Grand Cherokee 4xe.

The 2023 Subaru Outback emphasized safety with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. The IIHS awarded it top marks, including in the new side-impact crash test. The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Outback Limited and Touring featured a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.