2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Subaru Outback

When comparing the look and feel of the 2022 Subaru Outback to the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, it became apparent that each car targeted a different aesthetic and purpose. The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated ride height and rugged design, which inched closer to SUV territory than its station wagon heritage. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled front and rear bumpers enhancing approach and departure angles, the Wilderness edition was unmistakably built for off-road adventures.

Design-wise, the Outback Wilderness sported a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a distinctive Geyser Blue paint hue. Substantial Anodized Copper accents and a matte black hood decal added striking visual elements. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray StarTex upholstery, designed to be water-repellent and easy to clean, suitable for outdoor exploits. Although the interior lacked ventilated seats, the heated seats compensated in colder weather. The combination of a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, Anodized Copper stitching, and standard all-weather floor mats set a purposeful and resilient ambiance.

On the other hand, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe maintained its classic rugged silhouette, instantly recognizable and iconic. It came adorned with just a few differentiating elements from the standard Wrangler such as sky blue tow hooks and a single “4xe” badge. However, the primary distinction lay in its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) nature. Covered in a vibrant Firecracker Red, the Wrangler 4xe Rubicon trim evoked traditional Jeep toughness combined with modern technological advances.

The interior retained Jeep's “hose-me-out” simplicity but was enhanced with blue stitching on the seats and special displays for the hybrid system. Control layouts followed the principle of function over form, featuring practical touches like robust grab handles and easy-to-reach switches for the four-wheel-drive systems.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness packed a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine churning out 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This power was amply sufficient for the 3,896-pound vehicle, enabling a towing capacity of up to 3,500 lbs. The vehicle’s EPA fuel economy rating was 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing suggested a slightly lower 21.3 mpg in rugged conditions.

Nonetheless, the Outback's continuously variable transmission (CVT) dulled some of the driving appeal, as its eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters could not mimic the sharp responsiveness of a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Off-road, the Subaru shined due to its Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles. A dual-function X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, along with skid plates and hill descent control, conferred it unparalleled off-road prowess within the Outback lineup.

By contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s powertrain combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with two electric motors, a 17-kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed automatic transmission, culminating in a substantial 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles purely on electric power and offered a total range of 370 miles. Fuel efficiency rated at 49 MPGe combined for electric driving and 20 mpg combined in hybrid mode. This Jeep could dash from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds, making it lively both on and off the pavement.

Its three powertrain modes catered to different driving needs: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. Each mode offered the flexibility to maximize power, conserve battery, or drive solely on electric power. Off-road capabilities included Rubicon-specific features like electronic front and rear lockers, high ground clearance, and durable Dana 44 axles, ensuring the Wrangler 4xe was just as formidable on rugged trails as its gasoline-only counterparts.

The interior space of the Subaru Outback Wilderness emphasized comfort and practicality. Dark gray water-repellant StarTex upholstery covered the seats, making the vehicle easy to clean after outdoor activities. The front seats were power-adjustable, with 10-way adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. Heated seats were the norm, though the lack of ventilation could be a downside in warmer weather. In terms of cargo, the Outback offered generous space with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with them folded flat. The robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

Conversely, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required passengers to make a bit more effort to climb in, especially given its high door sills and absence of side steps. The driving position was typically high, offering a clear view over the dashboard and fenders. Storage, though, was not a strong suit due to space constraints caused by the hand-brake and transfer case lever. Rear passengers had good visibility and seating comfort, although extended journeys might feel cramped compared to the Subaru. The Wrangler’s cargo volume measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat, smaller than the Outback. Folding the back seat expanded the capacity to 72.4 cubic feet, also trailing behind Subaru’s offering.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition technology, albeit somewhat less proficient than rivals'. The control interface, while dominated by the touchscreen for various functions, was augmented with physical knobs for critical adjustments like stereo volume and temperature. The rugged adventure-focused PIN code entry system allowed users to secure their key fobs inside the vehicle, providing convenience for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe also came well-equipped with an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system housed within a waterproof surround. It covered all essential bases such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation, but exhibited some sluggishness in load time and responsiveness due to an aging system. The Wrangler’s technology package included informative hybrid-specific displays and easily visible charging indicators on the dashboard. The system provided handy features like WiFi connectivity, though the overall experience indicated the need for an update to Stellantis's latest Uconnect 5 technology.

In terms of safety, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came packed with the standard Subaru EyeSight system. It included a comprehensive suite of driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The package also featured steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system, though it did miss out on Subaru's DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology. The previous year’s Outback secured high ratings from both the IIHS (“Top Safety Pick+”) and NHTSA (five-star overall rating).

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered essential safety features through its Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and full-speed forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Its LED headlights received a mixture of Marginal and Poor ratings from the IIHS, with some concerns about rollover resistance noted by NHTSA ratings (three-star). Despite robust safety features, the Wrangler’s tall center of gravity and exposed off-road design carried inherent risks.