2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Subaru Outback

When exploring the design and aesthetic appeal of these two vehicles, each offers a distinct personality. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was available in the classic two-door and more practical four-door models. Buyers then had to choose among several powertrains: a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a gasoline V6, a turbodiesel V6, a gas V8, or a plug-in hybrid. Standard 4WD was just the beginning as various trims and special editions provided a plethora of customization options, including fabric soft tops, black hardtops, body-color hardtops, and the Sky One-Touch Power-Top.

Our test model, the High Tide edition, was based on the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim and included many unique features like LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, Gorilla Glass windshield, and High Tide or Beach hood decals. What set it apart was the Xtreme Recon package, which added a 1.5-inch suspension lift, revised shock tuning, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich tires, and more. The overall vehicle closed in on $60,000, and though the interior was fairly basic, it was functional, rugged, and durable.

On the other hand, the 2023 Subaru Outback received a significant facelift, giving it a more aggressive appearance with redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and a revised bumper. The Outback featured numerous trim levels, including the Onyx Edition which came in both base and turbocharged variants. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim model in Cosmic Blue paint with Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, combined comfort with utility.

The Outback's interior felt upscale, with a black interior contrasted beautifully by Java Brown leather and light gray stitching on the dashboard. Hard plastics in practical areas did not detract from the overall feel of quality, and useful design features like flat-textured door sills and dashboard storage shelves underlined Subaru’s commitment to utility.

Our 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide model boasted a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, adding muscle for stop-and-go scenarios and supporting better fuel efficiency. It churned out 285 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The eight-speed automatic transmission, mandatory at a $4,000 check, paired well with the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system—perfect for navigating slippery roads.

However, the Jeep Wrangler wasn't particularly fuel-efficient. The EPA rated it at 21 mpg combined, but modifications brought it down to 16.8 mpg. Driving this vehicle was an immersive experience that engaged all your senses but in return demanded frequent fuel stops and acclimatization to its rough-and-tumble ride.

Conversely, the 2023 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, maintaining a flat design that helped lower the vehicle's center of gravity. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine in our test vehicle produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It left us longing for more power, especially during uphill drives or when passing, as its towing capacity, though 3,500 pounds per Subaru, felt overestimated.

Fuel efficiency was another letdown. The EPA estimated 28 mpg for combined driving, but we only managed 25.6 mpg. If better acceleration and climbing ability were desired, opting for the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque in the XT models was recommended. These, however, weren’t as efficient, rated at 25 mpg combined. Nevertheless, Subaru's CVT and standard Active Torque Split AWD system worked wonders in distribution power where needed, while the X-Mode traction system proved effective off-road.

Stepping into the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was a challenge owing to its raised suspension. The manual height adjuster for the driver’s seat regularly required readjustments, adding to the entry/exit difficulties. The Wrangler's seats, while comfortable, were built with durability in mind using cloth upholstery and a mix of plastic and rubber materials. Visibility was a mixed bag, and rear-seat passengers faced challenges with the intrusive wheel wells. Storage space was somewhat limited with netting on door panels, a small dash tray, and a deeper center console box. Cargo space measured 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seat folded down.

Comparatively, the 2023 Subaru Outback excelled in utility and comfort. The Touring trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats with premium Nappa leather. It offered excellent accessibility due to its high ground clearance and height-adjustable seats which made getting in and out easier. The Outback’s cargo capacity was a generous 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, allowing it to accommodate sizable luggage easily. Practical design elements like the robust roof rack and flat door sills enhanced functionality, though additional storage spaces inside the cabin could be more plentiful.

Given its Sport S trim base, our 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional upgrade to an 8.4-inch system was available offering satellite radio, connected services, WiFi hotspot, and premium sound. Despite the smaller screen, the Wrangler’s tech features sufficed, thanks to streaming capabilities and effective use of Apple CarPlay for navigation. Other technological add-ons included remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group further extended the open-air driving season with heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

For the 2023 Subaru Outback, all trims above the Base level included an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate controls, and embedded controls for seat heating and ventilation. Although larger, the system had usability issues. It came with subscription-based connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and optional enhancements like a Harman Kardon premium audio system and navigation. However, the native voice recognition system was subpar, necessitating the use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Useful tech features included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera, although a surround-view camera wasn't available.

Safety wasn't a strong suit for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler. Equipped with the optional Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, the Wrangler provided features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. However, the Wrangler’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, scoring poorly in rollover resistance and side-impact tests with the NHTSA and IIHS. It was clear that safety required extra care when driving the Wrangler.

In stark contrast, the 2023 Subaru Outback excelled in safety. New EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster refined the SUV's safety features, earning top ratings from the IIHS. The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane assistance systems. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring and the new Automatic Emergency Steering. The Outback also had a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. Though some features were cumbersome, like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist, the overall safety package was robust and effective.