Jeep Wrangler vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Jeep Wrangler a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Jeep Wrangler features a 8.4-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Jeep Wrangler stands out with Alpine audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Jeep Wrangler gets leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Jeep Wrangler and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The Jeep Wrangler uses a Petrol I4 Turbo producing 200kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.3 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Jeep Wrangler has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Jeep Wrangler measures 4,334mm long on a 2,459mm wheelbase, 546mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 365L in the Jeep Wrangler and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 165L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 2050L vs 1267L. The Subaru Outback seats 5 vs 4.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,497kg. That 503kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Jeep Wrangler's turning circle is 1.1 m tighter, 10.0 m against 11.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Jeep Wrangler costs about $2,907 a year (10.2 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $598 a year less for the Subaru Outback.

Warranty: 5 years / 100k km (Jeep Wrangler) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Jeep Wrangler), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Jeep Wrangler: more power (200kW against 137kW).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $81,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 365L), the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,497kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,309 a year against $2,907).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 60

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Jeep Wrangler's 60 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 31 points), fuel economy (Subaru Outback ahead by 19 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 15 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Outback costs about $598 less (8.1 L/100km against 10.2 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 365L in the Jeep Wrangler, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions