2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated stance, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, which was 0.8 inches higher than other Outback models. This version featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal. The roof rack system supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint added to its rugged appeal.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness featured dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, heated seats, and a black headliner. The interior was accented with Gunmetal Gray trim, Anodized Copper stitching, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats. The rear seatbacks and cargo tray were waterproof, enhancing its practicality. Priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, the Outback Wilderness offered a blend of ruggedness and style, positioned between the Onyx XT and Limited XT trims.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, 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 High Tide or Beach hood decals. The Xtreme Recon package set it apart with a 1.5-inch suspension lift, 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, 35-inch BF Goodrich T/A KO2 tires, and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. Additional features included a Mopar tire relocation kit, hinge-gate reinforcement, wheel flare extensions, and rock rails.

Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, the Wrangler High Tide produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system were optional. The Wrangler's unique character and capabilities made it a singular driving experience, with a focus on off-road performance and open-air driving. Priced at $58,845, including a $1,595 destination charge, the High Tide model offered a blend of ruggedness and adventure.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for the 3,896-pound SUV, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route.

The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. The dual-function X-Mode traction system, hill descent control, and revised final-drive ratios enhanced its off-road capabilities. On pavement, the Outback felt quick but was limited by its tires, making it more suitable for off-road adventures.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid system, delivered 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system were optional. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 21 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing averaged 16.8 mpg over a week.

The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a focus on off-road performance and open-air driving. The Xtreme Recon package, with its suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and revised shock tuning, enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, the Wrangler's on-road performance was characterized by loud cabin noise, vague steering, and a rough ride, making it less suitable for daily driving.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger. The rear seat offered generous space for two adults or three kids, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports.

The cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The waterproof seatbacks and cargo tray, along with LED lighting, enhanced its practicality. The robust roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide's raised suspension made entry and exit challenging, especially for shorter individuals. The manual height adjuster for the driver's seat required regular re-adjustment. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery and some padded spots for arms and elbows. Visibility was mixed, with excellent views in some areas and compromised views in others.

Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry and exit difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Storage options were limited, with netting on the door panels, a small dashboard tray, and deep but narrow center console and glove compartments. The cargo area offered 31.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat and 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The tailgate, with its heavy 35-inch spare wheel, required careful handling.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control. The voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided superior voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. The PIN code entry technology allowed for keyless access, ideal for active lifestyles.

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

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Wrangler received a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS for small overlap crash-test protection and side-impact protection. The Wrangler's safety features were optional rather than standard.