Jeep Wrangler vs. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Jeep Wrangler and the Subaru Outback.
When we compare the Jeep Wrangler's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and reliability. Based on this comparison of the Jeep Wrangler's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Jeep Wrangler is a better car than the Subaru Outback.
Pricing: For a new model, the Jeep Wrangler's price is between $41,581 and $93,606, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,899 and $42,165.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Jeep Wrangler loses 26.4 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Wrangler retains 12.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Subaru Outback.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Jeep Wrangler is 8.7 out of 10 while the Subaru Outback's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Jeep Wrangler being ranked 8 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Subaru Outback being ranked 7 out of 19 Best Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Jeep Wrangler is 8.5 out of 10. For the Subaru Outback the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Jeep Wrangler.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Jeep Wrangler’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Jeep Wrangler, a midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Outback has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$41,581 - $93,606
Starting MSRP:
$31,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$32,899 - $42,165
Starting MSRP:
$28,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$29,563
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$28,895 - $30,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$59,331
Price Range:
$37,688 - $97,191
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
23,125
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
599
# Good or Great Deals:
608
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$8,811
Depreciation %:
27.5%
Resale Value $:
$23,184
Residual Value %:
72.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$11,628
Depreciation %:
40.2%
Resale Value $:
$17,267
Residual Value %:
59.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
34.7%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
31.9% - 40.2%
Jeep Wrangler Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
8.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Wrangler
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
13.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.9
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Jeep Wrangler Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 32Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 16Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 32Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 59Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Summary Review
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV with off-road prowess few vehicles can match. The current Wrangler was redesigned for the 2018 model year, with new models costing an average of $41,959 and 3-year-old models averaging $34,489.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Powerful engine options
- Pricing climbs quickly with higher trims and options
- Fuel economy isn’t great
- Lots of road and wind noise
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
Rubicon, Rubicon 392, Rubicon 392 Final Edition, Rubicon X, Sahara, Sport, Sport RHD, Sport S, Willys
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
298 / 403 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
150.4 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4012 lbs
Width:
73.9 inches
Height:
73.6 inches
Length:
166.8 inches
Wheelbase:
96.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
9.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P245/75R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Clear Coat
Blue
Bikini Pearl Coat / Earl Clear Coat / Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Anvil Clear Coat / Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Sarge Green Clear Coat
Pink
Tuscadero Pearl Coat
Red
Firecracker Red Clear Coat
Silver
Silver Zynith Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Yellow
High Velocity Clear Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Pink
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
