2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Subaru Forester

When shopping for a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, buyers had to choose between the classic two-door or the more practical four-door model. Depending on this choice, they could select from a variety of powertrains, including a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or plug-in hybrid. The standard six-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive (4WD) was standard, with multiple systems available based on the trim level. The Wrangler came in four core trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, with numerous special editions. The High Tide special edition, based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and the Xtreme Recon package, which included a 1.5-inch suspension lift and 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, while not a head-turner, offered a functional and practical design. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester ranged in price from $26,395 to $36,495, excluding the $1,225 destination charge. The Touring trim, which we tested, featured 18-inch alloy wheels, satin chrome exterior trim, and robust roof rails. Inside, the Forester Touring boasted Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. The interior was busy but functional, with traditional buttons and knobs for easy use. The Forester's design prioritized simplicity and substance, making it a reliable and practical choice for many.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission was a $4,000 option, and the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system was also included. The EPA estimated 21 mpg in combined driving, but our test vehicle averaged 16.8 mpg over a week and 435 miles. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride. However, it offered an immersive and adventurous experience, especially with the top and doors removed.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode. Most trims included an X-Mode off-road traction management system. The Forester Touring, which we tested, handled torrential rain, flooded roads, and muddy trails with ease. On dry roads, the Forester's driving dynamics were impressive, with a comfortable yet communicative ride and responsive handling. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg on our testing route, falling short of the EPA's 29 mpg combined rating.

Getting in and out of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler was challenging, especially with the High Tide's raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required frequent readjustment. The Wrangler's seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery. Visibility was mixed, with some areas requiring leaning forward to see traffic lights. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with a small center console and glove compartment. The cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a focus on simplicity and substance. The Premium trim included a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's outward visibility was excellent, making it easy to drive and park. The rear seats provided ample legroom and headroom but lacked support for longer trips. Interior storage was plentiful, with numerous pockets and compartments. The cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. Our test vehicle included remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, and single-zone automatic climate control. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology might have appeared outdated, but it was functional and user-friendly. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium trim added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's older Starlink system was preferable due to its physical controls and easy-to-use interface. However, the voice-recognition system was nearly useless, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap and side-impact tests.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras. Models with blind-spot monitoring included Automatic Emergency Steering. The Wilderness and Touring trims added Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). The Touring trim also featured the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.