2025 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling market of wagons in the United States. It embraced the crossover aesthetic with its robust wheel-arch flares, skid plate-like fascias, and a substantial roof rack, all of which conveyed its off-road capabilities. The test model's Crimson Red Pearl paint complemented its black leather interior, though the Outback arguably looked best in earthy tones. Subaru's focus on off-road enthusiasts paid off, as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became top sellers. The 2025 model saw no major changes, with various trims offering different upholstery and features, such as the Limited trim's new power moonroof and DriverFocus tech. The Touring XT trim boasted Nappa leather and ventilated seats, while the interior maintained a balance of chrome and black plastic, with easy-to-read gauges and a digital display.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience in Hawaii, was less about aesthetics and more about functionality. The black-on-black color scheme was less than ideal for the tropical climate, but the Wrangler's design was rooted in its rugged, go-anywhere capability. Offered in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower V8, the Wrangler catered to off-road enthusiasts. The Sport S model, priced at nearly $50,000, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a few options, but its interior was more about practicality than luxury. Despite its rough ride and basic interior, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its nostalgic design and American-made label, making it a popular choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the XT trims boasted a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a more spirited drive, making it a recommended upgrade for those who could afford it. The Outback's 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness model offering even more ground clearance and additional off-road features. On the road, the Outback delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, though its stop/start technology and CVT had some drawbacks.

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 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel efficiency and performance at higher elevations. During a test drive in Hawaii, the four-cylinder engine achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and off-road capabilities made it well-suited for adventurous driving, though its ride was rough and handling traits were less refined. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, but its off-road prowess remained a highlight.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality with easy entry and exit, a lower roof height for loading, and a low center of gravity for agile handling. Its cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with the seat folded, offering a flat floor and square shape for maximum utility. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet surpassed its crossover competitors, though the rear seat was slightly smaller. Buyers were advised to test different trims, as the driving experience varied, and the turbocharged engine increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The Sport S trim's cloth upholstery and heated front seats provided comfort, but rear-seat legroom was limited, and storage space was minimal. The Wrangler's cargo area, accessed through a tailgate and rear window, offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. However, accessing the cargo area could be cumbersome, especially with the spare tire mounted on the tailgate.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a Harman Kardon audio system available. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a CD player and USB ports for connectivity.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sport S model offered an eight-speaker stereo, with a premium sound system optional. Jeep Connect provided access to a Wi-Fi hotspot and off-road navigation features. The Convenience Group pack added a digital display, passive entry, and remote engine start, while the Active Safety Group offered rear parking sensors.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler added side curtain airbags as standard equipment, with optional advanced driver assistance systems. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on most trims, while forward collision warning required the Sahara trim. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA, with mixed results from the IIHS.