2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its familiar aesthetic, with the Wilderness trim receiving a subtle update featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Outback Touring XT, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." The Outback's exterior varied across trims, with different levels of black and chrome fittings, and wheel designs ranging from black 17-inch alloy wheels to 18-inch versions on higher trims. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, offering a level of luxury unexpected from Subaru. Other trims featured a mix of leather and synthetic materials, with cloth seats on the base and Premium trims.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic, rugged look, with a redesigned grille that was shorter and wider, enhancing engine airflow. The antenna was cleverly integrated into the windshield to avoid snagging during off-road adventures. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including soft-top, hard top, and power-retractable sunroof versions. The doors and windshield could be removed for an open-air experience, and the Wrangler came with 10 new wheel designs. The Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims featured larger tires, emphasizing their off-road prowess.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with a standard 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard. The turbo engine provided a better driving experience, with the CVT simulating eight gears. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increased to 9.2 inches on the Wilderness trim, which also featured all-terrain tires and an advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower, and a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower. Various transfer cases provided different off-road capabilities, with the Rubicon trim featuring the Rock-Trac system. Most models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual available for the 3.6-liter engine. The 4xe PHEV was praised for its 21 miles of all-electric range and excellent power. The Wrangler's solid axles provided articulation for off-road traction, and the 4xe Rubicon included front and rear locking differentials and an Offroad+ mode for sand and rock crawling. The Wrangler's ride quality on pavement was less refined, but sound deadening improved cabin quietness.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space, with more front headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It also provided ample legroom in both rows. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat from the Premium trim upward. Heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel were available on higher trims. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were standard on the Onyx Edition and above, with raised roof rails and retractable cross bars as standard features.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds for specific four-door Rubicon models, thanks to a full-float solid rear axle. Inside, heated seats and a heated steering wheel were available, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged. The 4xe model included a 30-amp Power Box for powering accessories. The Wrangler's interior was designed for adventure, with features like removable doors and a fold-down windshield.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring featured a CD player and a mix of USB-C and USB-A ports. The top-trim model had an 11.6-inch infotainment screen, while the base trim retained dual 7-inch screens. The Starlink multimedia platform included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for essential functions. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect5, offering a cleaner interface and faster performance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with numerous USB ports throughout the cabin. The Off-Road Pages provided real-time data, and the Trails Offroad feature offered trail guides and difficulty ratings. A wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and user profiles were new for 2024.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic emergency braking. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were standard on higher trims. The Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced side-curtain airbags for the first and second rows. Forward collision warning was standard on most trims, with optional blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist. The Wrangler had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for 2024, but previous models received mixed ratings.