2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a darker paint color to tone down the design's excesses. The Outback's interior, particularly in the Touring trim, was praised for its upscale feel, with Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching that added a touch of luxury.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic burly, body-on-frame look, with a redesigned grille that was shorter and wider, allowing for better airflow. The integration of the antenna into the windshield was a practical upgrade, preventing it from snagging on branches during off-roading. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including a traditional soft-top, a full hard top, and a power-retractable sunroof, enhancing its rugged appeal. The ability to remove the doors and fold down the windshield added to its adventurous spirit, while the new wheel designs and larger tires on models like the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 further emphasized its off-road prowess.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, but the 3,781-pound vehicle often felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models offered a more satisfying 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency. The Outback's CVT was programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic, and the Active Torque Split AWD system provided excellent traction. The X-Mode traction system and hill descent control enhanced its off-road capabilities, while the suspension offered a firm yet comfortable ride.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower to a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 horsepower. The 4xe PHEV combined a 2.0-liter engine with electric motors, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with 21 miles of all-electric range. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were bolstered by various transfer cases, locking differentials, and solid axles, providing excellent traction and articulation. The 392 model was particularly thrilling, while the 4xe offered efficiency and power. The Wrangler's ride quality on pavement was less refined, but improvements in sound deadening made the cabin quieter.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Touring trim offered a comfortable interior with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear seats were also heated, and the vehicle provided ample legroom and cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Outback's high ground clearance made entry and exit easy, and the dashboard storage shelf added practicality.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler's big news was its upgraded towing capacity, now rated at 5,000 pounds for specific models. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with new 12-way power-adjustable front seats that remained functional even when submerged. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of various accessories. The Wrangler's interior was rugged and functional, with improvements in comfort and technology.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the Premium trim onward. The system included a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and optional navigation and Harman Kardon audio. While the system's usability improved, the voice recognition was lacking, and the lack of a surround-view camera was noted.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was faster and more user-friendly, with features like Off-Road Pages and Trails Offroad. The Wrangler also offered a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store user profiles, enhancing its technological appeal.

The 2023 Subaru Outback was highly rated for safety, with new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster. It earned top marks from the IIHS, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Outback's safety systems were effective, though some features, like the rear automatic braking, had limitations.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced side-curtain airbags and offered forward collision warning on most models. However, many advanced driver aids were optional, and the Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist. The 2023 model received mixed ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but improvements were expected with the 2024 updates.