2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback underwent a significant transformation, adopting a more SUV-like appearance while maintaining its wagon roots. Despite only slight increases in dimensions, the Outback's new blocky and upright design gave it a more commanding presence. The rectangular grille, horizontal accent lights, and boxy headlights contributed to its robust look. The rugged aesthetic was further enhanced by faceted plastic trim around the body and wheel arches, creating an illusion of a taller ride height. Inside, the Outback featured a flatter dashboard with a digital instrument panel and a repositioned infotainment touchscreen. The reintroduction of physical climate controls improved usability, while the interior materials, even in the base Premium trim, were commendable. Higher trims offered smoother materials and appealing color palettes, adding warmth and ruggedness to the cabin.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer received a refresh that retained its upright stance and large windows but introduced a modern vibe with an illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence. The new Upland trim added utility with front recovery hooks without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a clean design with strong horizontal lines. While the 12-inch infotainment screen seemed small for such a large vehicle, redundant HVAC and audio controls were appreciated. The seats, though plain in appearance, provided exceptional comfort and adjustability, making long drives enjoyable. The cabin's premium materials, including Nappa and Palermo leather, added to the luxurious feel, and the overall fit and finish were impressive.

The 2026 Subaru Outback offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter boxer engine with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT and AWD. The base engine surprised with its performance, providing adequate power for the 3,741-pound Outback. The turbocharged engine offered a noticeable boost for those seeking more power. The Outback handled well in both city and highway settings, with a composed ride and comfortable front seats. Its off-road capability was enhanced by 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the X-Mode feature, making it suitable for moderate terrain. The forthcoming Wilderness model promised even greater off-road prowess with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a standard 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided smooth and effortless power, even for the 6,000-pound SUV. The Grand Wagoneer was also set to receive a range-extended electric powertrain with a 92-kilowatt-hour battery pack and a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, offering an estimated 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and easy to drive, with excellent visibility and a quiet cabin. The seats were comfortable for long journeys, accommodating a wide range of passenger sizes.

The 2026 Subaru Outback's interior space improved significantly, with a total interior volume of 146.9 cubic feet, qualifying it as a midsize SUV. The rear seats offered ample legroom, and the larger windows enhanced the feeling of spaciousness. The cargo capacity increased to 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, with a maximum of 80.5 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded. The multifunction cargo cover and robust roof rack added versatility for storage needs, making the Outback a practical choice for adventure-bound shoppers.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows providing ample leg and hip room for passengers. The optional bench seat in the second row allowed for seating up to eight passengers comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space, the long-wheelbase version offered increased cargo capacity, making it suitable for transporting both people and their belongings. The Grand Wagoneer could tow up to 10,000 pounds when properly equipped, adding to its versatility. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls and heated-and-ventilated front seats enhanced comfort for all occupants.

The 2026 Subaru Outback made strides in technology with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with logical menus and sharp graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a wireless charging pad was available. The reintroduction of physical climate controls improved usability, allowing for adjustments without distraction. While the tech features didn't break new ground, their ease of use was appreciated.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with a host of tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Higher trims offered additional features like a front console cooler and a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system. While the tech generally performed well, the wireless phone charger had issues, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. The removal of adjustable pedals was noted, leaving the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition as the only full-size SUVs with this feature.

The 2026 Subaru Outback was equipped with Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. While crash test results were not yet available, Subaru's commitment to safety suggested top marks from safety organizations. The Touring trim added premium safety features like a surround-view camera system and hands-free automated highway driving assist.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and more. The surround-view camera system was highly recommended for navigating tight spaces. The Grand Wagoneer received fair ratings from safety organizations, with a mix of Good and Marginal scores from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.