2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged yet refined appearance, 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 paint of the Touring XT model, which was described as a "green-tinged dark khaki." This color choice was surprisingly appealing, offering a fresh alternative to more traditional hues. The Outback's various trims showcased different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim featuring the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx Edition upgraded to 18-inch wheels in basic black. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a step above the standard leather in the Limited trim and the StarTex synthetic leather in the Onyx Edition and Wilderness trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, encountered during a rental experience in Honolulu, presented a more utilitarian aesthetic. The black-on-black color scheme, combined with dark gray wheels, was less than ideal for the tropical climate. However, the Wrangler's design remained true to its roots, evoking a sense of American freedom with its iconic seven-slot grille and rugged build. The Wrangler lineup offered a range of trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower Hemi V8 engine. Despite its nearly $50,000 price tag, the Sport S model's interior was functional rather than luxurious, with gray fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Wrangler's appeal lay in its capability to tackle diverse terrains, a nod to its military vehicle heritage.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more potent 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This turbo setup increased the towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 lbs. The Touring XT test car, with its turbo engine, provided a well-balanced driving experience, with the Lineartronic CVT mimicking the feel of eight distinct gears. The Outback's suspension and ground clearance, ranging from 8.7 inches to 9.2 inches in the Wilderness trim, contributed to its comfortable ride and off-road capability.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering a slight advantage in torque over the V6. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During a week-long evaluation in Hawaii, the Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it well-suited for off-road adventures. However, its three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, and the ride quality was rough, with disconnected steering feel at higher speeds.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek proportions. It provided more headroom and legroom in the front row compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and expanded to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback's feature availability was impressive, with dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat standard on most trims. The Touring trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort in colder climates. The hands-free power liftgate and power moonroof were available on higher trims, while the raised roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was comfortable, and the Convenience Group option added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Accessing the cargo area required opening the tailgate and lifting the rear window, which could be cumbersome in tight spaces. The cargo hold offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining a dual-7-inch-screen system. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform, while dated in appearance, offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless functionality starting from the Premium trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM connectivity were standard on most trims, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a standout feature, equipping the Sport S with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The system was easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were part of the optional Active Safety Group package, enhancing safety during reversing maneuvers.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and automatic emergency steering. Reverse automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were available on higher trims, with the Touring trim adding a wide-angle camera and a driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment for the front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was limited to the Sahara trim. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the Wrangler as Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for the small overlap frontal-impact test.