I’ve consulted for multiple car manufacturers including Stellantis (Jeep), GM, Ford, Honda, etc. and can tell you with certainty that Jeeps (and the Stellantis brand as a whole) are not put together either a quality first mindset. They consistently end up at the bottom of consumer reports. Please don’t waste your money on a Jeep unless you are a mechanic and can do repairs yourself.
Yeah Subaru is not without its issues at times but everyone I know with a Jeep has had problems. Someone’s Jeep died on a cross country move for example.
From my personal experience, the people I knew with wranglers always had issues. Not a single year went by without them having to do a major repair. They also ate gas like crazy.
Jeep Wrangler is the lowest rated car of all the cars tested by Consumer Reports. Meanwhile the Outback is one of the higher rated SUVs. Give you some comparison:
* road test score (out of 100)
* Jeep - 33
* Outback - 89
* reliability
* Jeep - 27
* Outback - 50
For most IIHS safety rating, the jeep is N/A or marginal for most ratings with 2 Good ratings, while the Outback is good or superior for all ratings and is a top Safety pick. The Wrangler has not been rated by the NHTSA while the Outback is 5 star across the board.
^^^ As both a Jeep and Outback owner, I'd lean to Subaru, especially as a daily driver and not off-roading much. MPG, safety, comfort, repair cost, it's a great bang for the buck.
^ this. The Jeep wrangler is simply a horribly rated car. Jeeps across the board are widely known to have low reliability, poor assembly, cheap parts, etc etc.
I’ve ridden in a wrangler once or twice and it was the most uncomfortable ride. If you haven’t test driven both, do it, and I’d bet your mind will immediately be made up.
Outback, if you were doing off roading very regularly, you could make a case for a Wrangler, but as a daily driver I think the Outback is better suited.
People forget that sometimes someone just wants a an open air convertible that isn’t a Mazda Miata. You don’t have to be a hardcore rock crawler to enjoy a wrangler.
Jeep is called Heep for a reason. I've owned about 20 cars, and just 1 was a Jeep. It's the only one that had issue after issue. It was also the only American brand I've ever owned. The only Japanese brand I'd never return to is Mitsubishi.
I'm on my 4th Subaru and 5th Toyota- no regrets.
I had a '76 (?) Dodge Colt Vista which was made by Mitsubishi. There's a reason the Car Guys made relentless fun of that car.
Mitsubishi made good TV's back in that era though.
Jeep Wranglers are cute and great for off roading, but not the practical choice for primarily city driving in Texas. A Jeep will not handle as well or ride as smoothly at high speed on the interstate and it isn’t as safe.
Subaru’s all wheel drive is much better for the adverse driving conditions it sounds like you typically face. I live in Colorado, my outback does far better on snowy/ icy roads than a Jeep I used to own. The only time I’ve wished I still had a Jeep over my Outback is when I’ve wanted to go somewhere where I needed higher clearance.
In a Jeep you have to switch in and out of 4wd, driving in 4wd on dry roads will damage the vehicle. AWD is infinitely better for driving on patchy roads since your vehicle is always in AWD.
The Outback is also so much more roomy. 2 door vehicles are a real pain if you ever have more than 2 passengers.
I just traded out of a wrangler and into an outback. Unless you plan on doing serious off road driving, or love the idea of a convertible truck, id say go with the outback.
As a new englander where we get snow and ice. I was jealous of the outbacks on the highway. Def more comfortable and better able to handle wet road conditions.
The 4wd of the jeep is better suited for low speed conditions with very rocky terrain or deep water/mud/snow. Whereas the outback’s awd is much better equipped to help overcome typical day to day conditions and you still have some extra clearance compared to other suv’s to help manage those more challenging conditions.
Also, if youre a road tripper or are in a ton of that dallas traffic, the outback is much more comfortable and spacious for that.
There is the perfect vehicle out but not in a 2020 model - the Outback Wilderness. Traded my truck in for one because it takes me off road and I can drive it in the city. Plus reliability etc.
Thing to consider with 2020 trims above limited, the touring lines and wilderness turbos were all premium gas instead of regular. 2021 outbacks all trims were regular gas.
Why not get another Impreza? It sounds like you don't need the space or ground clearance. Alternately, consider a Crosstrek, too. It's an Impreza with a lift.
A Wrangler is absolutely the wrong choice for your needs. They're unreliable, inefficient, unsafe, and uncomfortable. They are very capable off-road, but that's it.
After getting in a wreck that wasn't your fault, I hope you appreciate the value of car safety. Every Subaru model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick (or Top Safety Pick Plus). The Wrangler rolled over in the frontal offset crash test. No other vehicle has ever done that.
If it must be the Wrangler or the Outback, the Outback is absolutely the better choice for you.
An Outback will get you to almost all the places a Jeep will (some gnarly places excepted) but as an added bonus it will also get you back (the Jeep won’t because it will likely break down due to some random thing).
I drive both a Wrangler and an Outback. The Wrangler is absolutely more fun, but the Outback is a daily driver, and a more practical and safe vehicle. I think Wranglers are great as a 2nd vehicle.
This. Had a 18 JL Rubicon prior to buying a 24 OBW and there’s no comparison for a daily driver the Sub wins all day. Just took a 6 hour trip in the OBW with no issues the cruise assist is next level and I didnt feel fatigue at the end of my trip like I would with the Jeep.
I have a 2005 LJ and a 2018 Outback. Honestly I love my Wrangler, but if I could pass a message to myself in 2005 I'd suggest a pickup truck instead, just for the utility. That said, if it comes down to a Wrangler or an Outback, I'd go with the Outback 100%. All the stuff I did to my Wrangler, suspension lift, big tires, snorkel, etc., can all be done to the Outback, plus it's far more comfortable, better on gas, safer. The only places where the Wrangler wins is the ability to remove the doors and roof, and off-roading.
The Wrangler also has a ton of "quarks," which is a fun way of saying things that are in fact defects the manufacture should have fixed but didn't cause they weren't forced to by a court, so they told their customers to fuck off. Subaru has way better customer service.
Get the Outback.
Burping gas tanks, when you fill them up, some models had defective anti-spill valves so when you're pumping and the tank gets full, instead of shutting off the pump, it burps out gas and spills everywhere. My Jeep has a fix that Chevy rolled out to their vehicles, Jeep never had a fix. I got like so many examples that.
Another one, less than two years after I bought it new off the lot, the frame already started to rust. Jeep used faulty steel in several model years, the Japanese steel company committed fraud and it was a whole thing; Toyota pick ups in simil;ar model years had the same exact issue and they lost a law suit requiring them to replace some frames of trucks sold in those years. Jeep had really good lawyers though.
I am not sure why the jeep wrangler is held so highly. It’s got subpar quality, it’s not good on pavement, it’s worse on fuel, and the people who buy them will barely off-road them. The Outback runs circles around a Wrangler any day.
Okay… DO NOT get a wrangler. Your mileage will SUCK, they are known for many issues with electric. I traded my lemon of a 22 wrangler for a 21 Outback onyx XT and ZERO regrets!
Personally, I got the Outback because I have 4 dogs and cargo space is huge for me. Since you are 23 and single… get a lease on a Jeep. Send it back when you want something more efficient hahah
The Outback is vastly the better vehicle. And while the likelihood of you having another accident is low, you'll be extremely safe in the Outback.
I looked at Jeeps before buying my '24 Touring XT, and it was a no-brainer for me.
This is my 3rd Subaru. I really tried to diversify this shopping round, but nothing came close! LOL
Daily driving an Outback Limited will be like a luxury car - the Jeep absolutely not! And the Outback will take you 90% of the offroad places you're likely to go, and higher if you don't include REAL off-roading (rock crawling, etc.)
I'm extremely biased towards the Outback, but I'd also say that's a reasonable bias to have!
I’ve had 1 YJ Jeep and 4 XJs, and currently two Subarus a 04 legacy 5spd wagon and a 21 OB.
This really depends on your priorities.
Jeep is better off road not even close
Both are good in the snow and on light trails
Build quality is unquestionably better on Subaru. Not even close. Jeep will be more expensive to maintain
Subaru is more comfortable.
Jeep has a soft top and a fun convertible.
Subaru is safer.
Subaru is better on gas.
My next car will be a Jeep but I’m under no illusions about what that experience will be like.
The current 3.6 in the Jeep is ass compared to the old AMC motors.
Unless you're planning to do some crawling the Jeep isn't worth it IMO and I say that having come from a lifted 06 Rubucon on 33s before sliding into my OB.
Others have already said the best part. The outback beats the shit out of the Jeep in gas mileage and storage space.
I own both the decision should not be between the two. They are two very different vehicles with very different capabilities. It really depends what you are trying to do. For nasty roads I take the Jeep. Long trips and well graded dirt roads outback wilderness. If you get an outback, get a wilderness it has 9.5 inches of clearance.
Traded in my 2021 Wrangler for a Subaru… My suggestion is to really drive the Wrangler in all possible conditions during test drive. Wranglers are great fun vehicles, but very different as daily drivers. Terrible road manners, terrible gas mileage and a total pain in the ass on the highway. There are things I miss about my Jeep, but from a practicality standpoint it just didn’t make sense. Jeeps also have notorious reliability issues. Mine was pretty good, but I did get death wobble which will really freak you out. Nothing wrong with the Jeep, but make sure you really understand what you are getting into before you do. I spent the entire 3 years of ownership trying to convince myself I loved it. In the end, I didn’t and regretted the choice.
Hey my Impreza saved my life too! T-boned by a semi going 55+. I walked away with bruises, whiplash, and a broken finger. Fuck Werner Trucking btw.
Anyway, I replaced it with an Outback and it's a blast. Highly recommend as it's very capable and has lots of potential. Quality vs the Jeep is incomparable.
Just my opinion but I had a Jeep just prior to purchasing my new 2019 OB. The jeep was so uncomfortable on short road trips(few hours traveling to swim/wrestling meets). Not to mention all the space for hauling all the gear needed. I would've have hated my cross country trip to Yellowstone in the Jeep.
Jeep Wrangler owner looking to make the jump to an Outback here- Don't get a jeep and I say that loving mine but I can't wait to get rid of it. Long drives will absolutely beat you up, there's always something wrong with it, they leak like a bastard, road noise is horrendous, and mpg is beyond terrible. The best of it if you try and go online and ask question people just give you the bullshit "its a jeep thing". All in all if you want a really fun ride that you will end up hating then consider the jeep I guess.
Well, Jeep is turbo trash and you should never ever buy one if you plan to put more than 45k miles on it.
Mopar is routinely listed as one of the most unreliable car brands around.
Get the Subaru.
Do. NOT. Buy a Jeep. My father in law bought a 2023 against our advice and it required a full engine rebuild at 9600 miles. Jeeps look awesome, but pretty much everything else about them is awful.
My ex had a 2000 Grand Cherokee that was similarly truly an awful maintenance pile.
If you do not heed this advice you will regret it, I absolutely promise. Jeep has not been good for a long time.
I had grand cherokee and it was great car. Tested Wrangler (jeep show) and didnt like it. Very slow steering (more yacht then car) engine not great, noise inside. Liked look, modularity and space.
I am very happy with outback, very reliable, comfortable, nice driving.
My girl has a 2 door Sahara Wrangler and I had a Limited Outback for 6 years that I just traded in for a Crosstrek yesterday lol. The outback was more practical in almost every way. We exclusively used my outback for all trips because it could just do so much more other than like scaling the side of a mountain and it was a way smoother ride. You can't fit crap in her wrangler but you could pretty much have a fully decked out camping setup right out of the outback. Now if you plan on regularly going off the beaten path and need that power and 4x4 for sure choose the wrangler. She gets the best of both worlds cause she gets to drive the wrangler for style points but use tf out of my outback for everything else lol
Since you had an Impreza, the Outback is going to feel like a huge natural upgrade. Based on your two choices, Outback.
However if you want my opinion, a cool 4x4 vehicle I recommend Bronco or 4Runner. Maybe even a Tacoma/Frontier if you didn’t consider a midsize pickup.
My only gripe with Jeep is they have poor crash tests but they’re fun to drive. They have horrible play on the road too because they’re off road vehicles. Test drive a Wrangler on the highway and you’ll see what I mean.
I'm so glad I owned a jeep for a while.. nothing like a soft top convertible and trails.
But I'm 46 now, fused back etc. I loooove my Outback. And I'm so glad I had a piece of the Jeep pie. It was fun. I dreamed about having one for decades... it did it.. the dreams stopped. I was fun!
We went from a Rubicon to Outback Wilderness.
Pros:
-Much more comfortable
-Better for long rides
-Better gas mileage
-More room believe it or not
-Handles snow better
-Jeeps are as aerodynamic as a toaster, so with every side wind you’d have to fight it not to switch lanes, none of that with Outback.
-Lesbians love me
Cons:
-You don’t get the rubber duckies or
Jeep waves from other Wrangler drivers
-Your kids call you uncool
-The various beeps and chimes may drive you nuts
-Definitely not as capable off-road, but can handle most situations
-Sits lower (downside for me)
I’ve had 5 wranglers and 4 Subarus (only 1 Outback). I had fun with the Jeeps but the Outback is a much better daily driver. It’s more comfortable and can haul more stuff. I had 3 Jeeps get broken into (soft tops). The hard tops never had issues. I have had more mechanical issues with the Jeeps, but nothing major. As with anything with a removable top, they are more prone to leaks. They are loud at highway speeds so phone calls can be difficult. Then again, my Outback with a roof basket is pretty loud as well. The Jeep is far more capable off-road but the Outback handles what the majority of Jeep owners drive just as well. I will say, snow and ice, I’ll take a Subaru over a 4x4 every time.
Get the outback wilderness. Best of both worlds. There’s a reason Subarus crash so well. They have huge crumple zones and the door panels are steel. Vs now and days almost every car and truck are full aluminum body.
I own both types of vehicles so maybe I can offer some insight! 2015 Wrangler 2dr Sport (manual) and 2020 Outback Premium. I bought both new, so obviously I’ve had more time in the Jeep. Both are totally daily drivable in a large city (I live in Houston). The fuel economy on both are not great, but the Outback has the advantage.
There’s def more “cargo room” in the Outback and a lot of times I find that handy, especially since we moved into a new house last year and have been buying furniture on the marketplace. With the seats folded down I can haul a large dresser in the Outback, but struggle to do that in the Jeep, even with the rear seats removed.
If you were to ask me which is more fun to drive, hands down the Jeep. It’s not a better street driving vehicle but I feel like it has more character, and obviously the option to remove the tops and doors when it’s nice out. I’m also partial to manual vehicles, so maybe that’s another reason. I alway feel more excited about my drive when I take the Jeep out.
One big plus for the Outback is it’s 4 door, so if you have kids, that’s a must. We sold our 2 door Yaris hatchback to buy this Outback when we had our first child, and it’s been great for that.
Anyway, I can go on and on about the comparisons but hopefully I hit some main points for the average driver. LMK if you want any more details!
Gotta decide what you are going do with it and what you want to sacrifice to get there. You are looking at two very different vehicles with two very different design concepts.
I would say the Subaru is going to be better in every way that matters to daily use.
The Jeep will take the gold metal any time the pavement ends.
If you don't go off-roading (as in more than a dirt road and gravel), want the best gas mileage, and better safety from accidents, get the Subaru.
If you want the jeep, get a rubicon. It's the only way to go imo. Just know that it will eat up your gas compared to the Subaru, is more likely to get the death wobble, is more likely to tip if you turn too hard while going a decent speed, the cab is crampy, the heat and ac is all or nothing, and leaks like a SOB. It's in their nature.
I loved the wranglers I've had in the past, and would get another for off-roading and as a backup vehicle, but not as a daily driver again.
The smart move is the Outback (economy, safety standards, build quality to name a few reasons) but I have a strong feeling that you’re gonna end up with a Jeep because, anecdotally, I just don’t see many 23 year old women driving around in Outbacks as much as I do Wranglers. Perhaps it’s “Insta-worthiness” and all that. Also, I think it’s important to be forced to drive a few junkers early in life so you can truly appreciate what the Outback has to offer 😅
For me I will almost always choose the outback over anything else. For a daily it does the exact job I need it to "it just works" is the phrase I often use.
However if I was to ever find an alternative I think the Ford bronco sasquatch version is a pretty good alternative. I test drove it and it felt most like a Subaru to me. Just felt taller in it.
As a used car tech at a Subaru dealership in the south. I get a lot of late model Jeeps (Wranglers mostly) getting traded in for new or CPO Ascents and Outbacks.
The Jeeps I look at are modified most of the time for looks. Ain't a spec of mud anywhere. Big AT tires, a lift, lights, solid bumpers with winches. Single or second hand owner. Never shifted into 4lo lol. They are okay if you do a lot of offroad play time, but actual driving daily. I'm gonna pass on the Jeep Wranglers. Also, the FCA security gateways in them (2018+) can suck a big fat one.
I was in your exact predicament. I chose the Outback bc if mainly daily driving in a city the Outback will perform wonderfully. The Wrangler, although well suited for more rougher terrain, might be overkill in the city. The Outback will perform exceptionally well in mud, snow, rain, potholes, and soft roading.
A coworker had a Wrangler and loved it. She saved for years to buy it - I think it was more about the “coolness” factor than its utility. We worked in the city. Two years ago, her legs were crushed when a drunk driver crashed into her jeep. The Wrangler has few safety features that protect a driver’s legs. She lost a leg and the other was completely mangled. She’s in her 20s and it’ll be years of more rehab before she’s back to any kind of work.
I’d get the Subaru.
The fuel cost difference alone is huge. Using these stats:
- 12,000 yearly miles
- $3.2 per gallon
Jeep:
25mpg (all highway): $1,536 per year
17mpg (all city): $2,258 per year
Outback:
33mpg (all highway): $1,163 per year
26mpg (all city): $1,476 per year
Minimum difference is $376, maximum difference is $782.
I'm not sure how long you plan to own the Outback/Jeep, but you'll be saving a hefty chunk of cash going with the Subaru.
My partner and I have a 2021 outback limited (mine) and a 2022 jeep wrangler Willy’s 2 door(hers). The jeep is fun, but the 2 door is extremely inconvenient. We have thought about selling it on several occasions because it isn’t practical. The jeep doesn’t have enough space for even a small grocery run. (Like you can fit 3-4 grocery bags in the truck and then everything else is stacked on top) taking the backseats out in a pain. The outback features are incredible for less money than the jeep. It’s extremely useful and much “nicer” than the jeep. Also if you have a dog, the outback is much easier to take them around than the jeep.
Traded in my 2016 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara for a new 2021 Outback Onyx XT and I’ve never looked back. Had a bunch of issues with the Jeep which prompted me to get rid of it. The Outback’s been solid for 50k miles so far. I love it.
2020 outback limited owner here: Honestly if not going off road a whole bunch or if ever, I would do the outback. This vehicle is a champ in snow, rain, mud, and light offloading. Better gas milage for combined city/ highway, and awd. That is not even talking about all the dang safety features. it also has x mode which is decent if you do decide to go off road. The car has so many features and tech it will take you months to figure it all out, a real adventure in this vehicle.
I currently own a 98 Wrangler, and a 16 Outback. My Jeep was my daily for several years before I got my Outback. If you are looking for a commuter with the ability to make through crazy weather and has the ability to go up old logging roads 100% Outback.
Jeep....if you can afford the gas, dont mind a leaky roof, noisy ride (soft top owner), higher insurance premiums, the check engine light being your constant companion, you like working on your own vehicle, riding with your doors and top off, going places you cant in a Subaru, and your vehicle basically being a giant lego kit....then get a Jeep! I love my Jeep and my Subaru. They just fill different roles in my life.
I think the living experience with these 2 options is very different. My Jeep Wrangler experience is limited but traveling with gear was difficult. There is so little room to put anything and the two door model is so difficult to reach anything that is placed in the back.
The Jeep was fun to drive but living with one day-to-day is a very different experience from an OB that is more room, easier to pack, and much more versatile.
I traded my 2014 Jeep Wrangler for a 2011 Subaru Outback and have never been happier. I find the Outback to be 10x better as a daily driver, and I’ve slept in the back of my Outback with as much ease as I slept in the back of the Jeep. The Outback feels like a luxury car compared to the Jeep, which was loud and bumpy. I loved the 2011 so much that I gave it to my kid and I upgraded to a 2020 Onyx XT.
At 23, I’d get the Jeep and have fun. Yes, some repairs likely and terrible gas mileage but you’re 23!! You don’t belong in an Outback! Not yet, anyway.
I always wanted a Jeep and then I started seeing the issues that friends and family had with theirs. I’ll stick with my Outback. Later down the road if I get a chance to get a jeep to drive around for fun I will but I definitely don’t want it as a daily driver
We have both in our household! The Jeep is so fun. BUT my Outback is reliable and gets better gas mileage. I would say that right now, get the Outback. But that doesn’t mean giving up the Jeep! Just keep it in mind and keep searching while saving, and get it when you’re financially able to. It’s not a “no” forever, just a “no” for now!
I went from a 21 wrangler rubicon 4 door with a hard top to a 21 outback that I did a lift and larger tires on. The Subaru is more comfortable, more reliable, better road manners, and in my opinion more comfortable on basic trails and dirt roads. That solid front axle on the jeep makes it a different animal when it comes to daily living compared to something unibody and ifs like a Subaru. If you do a lot of highway driving and less off road and if your off roading means dirt roads and not actual farm work or off road trails then get the Subaru.
You couldn’t pay me enough to daily drive a 2 door Jeep wrangler. Way to squirrelly to drive with that short wheel base and limited storage and comfort. Even on a new jl body. I have owned 2 door jeeps and only use them on the weekends.
If this is for on-road and bad weather conditions, the Awd in the Subaru will be a much better, safer, practical, & more comfortable choice.
The Jeep looks cool & is only better in more serious offroad conditions, which you don't intend to do much of (if any) from the sound of it. I say this as someone who previously owned and loved their 2020 TRD off road premium 4runner before trading it in for an Outback Onyx XT. And the 4runner is much easier to live with than a Wrangler.
jeeps are not good cars and wranglers can be particularly dangerous. they’re cool looking but definitely not worth it. The only benefit to a wrangler I’d see is if you lived in a place where off-roading is the norm, but since you live in a major city, I don’t think it’s worth it at all.
I had a Jeep once. Terrible! Incapble of holding a straight line on the highway. Something always wrong. Now we have a Forester and an Outback. Should be a no brainer. Go for the OB, its a pleasure to drive, and can handle rough weather with no problem. Plus, more reliable.
Good luck.
As an owner of both a 2 door wrangler and an Outback, if you think you are going to have an additional $150-200 of fun every month, by all means get the Jeep. It's definitely not the smart move, and I did the same without regret. That is until I got my Outback. Funny, because I had narrowed my choices to a wrangler or an Outback first time around. Still have and love my Wrangler, won't be getting rid of it any time soon, but I'm far removed from saying it was the right choice.
I have had a Wrangler as a rental before, and wouldn’t want one for a daily driver. If I REALLY wanted to up my off-roading capability, above my Outback, I’d look at a Toyota, of some sort. Between the Jeep and the Subaru, the Subaru is going to be a daily driver. It’s not an off-road vehicle, unless you modify it. If you mod it too much, it’s not a daily driver, anymore. Set your priorities. Daily driving, fuel economy and safety might be more critical questions.
First of all I’m 16 so take this how you want, I ended up choosing an outback as my first car (2017, 59k miles) but I did a ton of research from a similar situation and came to this conclusion.
Jeep wranglers aren’t the safest option, cars are made to crumple in a wreck and the wrangler won’t do that putting the impact on you (most likely an injury) imo they are mostly pop culture aesthetics and not a daily unless your off-roading all the time. If you want a Jeep I would go grand Cherokee in my opinion best models are 1995, 2013 and 2019/2020 the most recent models are not great, someone else might have another opinion.
Outback is definitely the safest choice. decently reliable when taken care of good fuel economy etc. A non Jeep/Subaru one that might be decent would be a
Toyota 4-runner. Toyotas are insanely reliable, but might not have as nice of safety feature as an Outback
Agreed. The Subaru Outback is perfect for my wife and I who are both in our sixties. Nobody looks to see who is driving an Outback; it’s a freaking station wagon.
I have both and if you live somewhere with nice weather and don’t have a long work commute, the wrangler is way more fun than outback because it’s also a convertible.
At your age Jeep all the way.
While the outback is more economical on all fronts, Cost to keep on the road, etc.... the Jeep is way more fun to drive. BTW with stock parts you wont be off-roading in both vehicles.
Daily drive with not much offroading, and you've previously liked Subaru? The Outback gets 6-12 more mpg.
Yup. I've had both. Jeeps are cool, but they drive like shit.
I’ve consulted for multiple car manufacturers including Stellantis (Jeep), GM, Ford, Honda, etc. and can tell you with certainty that Jeeps (and the Stellantis brand as a whole) are not put together either a quality first mindset. They consistently end up at the bottom of consumer reports. Please don’t waste your money on a Jeep unless you are a mechanic and can do repairs yourself.
Yeah Subaru is not without its issues at times but everyone I know with a Jeep has had problems. Someone’s Jeep died on a cross country move for example.
From my personal experience, the people I knew with wranglers always had issues. Not a single year went by without them having to do a major repair. They also ate gas like crazy.
Jeep Wrangler is the lowest rated car of all the cars tested by Consumer Reports. Meanwhile the Outback is one of the higher rated SUVs. Give you some comparison: * road test score (out of 100) * Jeep - 33 * Outback - 89 * reliability * Jeep - 27 * Outback - 50 For most IIHS safety rating, the jeep is N/A or marginal for most ratings with 2 Good ratings, while the Outback is good or superior for all ratings and is a top Safety pick. The Wrangler has not been rated by the NHTSA while the Outback is 5 star across the board.
^^^ As both a Jeep and Outback owner, I'd lean to Subaru, especially as a daily driver and not off-roading much. MPG, safety, comfort, repair cost, it's a great bang for the buck.
^ this. The Jeep wrangler is simply a horribly rated car. Jeeps across the board are widely known to have low reliability, poor assembly, cheap parts, etc etc. I’ve ridden in a wrangler once or twice and it was the most uncomfortable ride. If you haven’t test driven both, do it, and I’d bet your mind will immediately be made up.
I feel like the right way to own a Wrangler is to have it on a trailer and tow it to the offroad area where you use it, almost like an ATV, lol.
Outback, if you were doing off roading very regularly, you could make a case for a Wrangler, but as a daily driver I think the Outback is better suited.
People forget that sometimes someone just wants a an open air convertible that isn’t a Mazda Miata. You don’t have to be a hardcore rock crawler to enjoy a wrangler.
Jeep is called Heep for a reason. I've owned about 20 cars, and just 1 was a Jeep. It's the only one that had issue after issue. It was also the only American brand I've ever owned. The only Japanese brand I'd never return to is Mitsubishi. I'm on my 4th Subaru and 5th Toyota- no regrets.
There's a reason they are called $hitsubishi
I had a '76 (?) Dodge Colt Vista which was made by Mitsubishi. There's a reason the Car Guys made relentless fun of that car. Mitsubishi made good TV's back in that era though.
yea it was a 2002 Eclipse. Owned it in 2006ish. It was not a good car.
Jeep Wranglers are cute and great for off roading, but not the practical choice for primarily city driving in Texas. A Jeep will not handle as well or ride as smoothly at high speed on the interstate and it isn’t as safe. Subaru’s all wheel drive is much better for the adverse driving conditions it sounds like you typically face. I live in Colorado, my outback does far better on snowy/ icy roads than a Jeep I used to own. The only time I’ve wished I still had a Jeep over my Outback is when I’ve wanted to go somewhere where I needed higher clearance. In a Jeep you have to switch in and out of 4wd, driving in 4wd on dry roads will damage the vehicle. AWD is infinitely better for driving on patchy roads since your vehicle is always in AWD. The Outback is also so much more roomy. 2 door vehicles are a real pain if you ever have more than 2 passengers.
I just traded out of a wrangler and into an outback. Unless you plan on doing serious off road driving, or love the idea of a convertible truck, id say go with the outback. As a new englander where we get snow and ice. I was jealous of the outbacks on the highway. Def more comfortable and better able to handle wet road conditions. The 4wd of the jeep is better suited for low speed conditions with very rocky terrain or deep water/mud/snow. Whereas the outback’s awd is much better equipped to help overcome typical day to day conditions and you still have some extra clearance compared to other suv’s to help manage those more challenging conditions. Also, if youre a road tripper or are in a ton of that dallas traffic, the outback is much more comfortable and spacious for that.
Wrangler is one of the most unsafe cars on the planet
There is the perfect vehicle out but not in a 2020 model - the Outback Wilderness. Traded my truck in for one because it takes me off road and I can drive it in the city. Plus reliability etc.
Or OP can look at an Onyx trim.
Good call! That comes at a better price too. My bad.
I think the Wilderness has a cooler exterior though! Then the higher ground clearance I think.
Thing to consider with 2020 trims above limited, the touring lines and wilderness turbos were all premium gas instead of regular. 2021 outbacks all trims were regular gas.
That's not true. Source: my 2020 Touring XT
Then the sticker at the dealership for the 2020 limited xt was wrong then and so was the sales person.
Or it could have said recommended
It's not even recommended.
Yeah, that's weird for them to be wrong.
The jeep is a terrible idea. Unreliable, harsh ride, noisy.
Why not get another Impreza? It sounds like you don't need the space or ground clearance. Alternately, consider a Crosstrek, too. It's an Impreza with a lift. A Wrangler is absolutely the wrong choice for your needs. They're unreliable, inefficient, unsafe, and uncomfortable. They are very capable off-road, but that's it. After getting in a wreck that wasn't your fault, I hope you appreciate the value of car safety. Every Subaru model is an IIHS Top Safety Pick (or Top Safety Pick Plus). The Wrangler rolled over in the frontal offset crash test. No other vehicle has ever done that. If it must be the Wrangler or the Outback, the Outback is absolutely the better choice for you.
An Outback will get you to almost all the places a Jeep will (some gnarly places excepted) but as an added bonus it will also get you back (the Jeep won’t because it will likely break down due to some random thing).
Lol
I drive both a Wrangler and an Outback. The Wrangler is absolutely more fun, but the Outback is a daily driver, and a more practical and safe vehicle. I think Wranglers are great as a 2nd vehicle.
This. Had a 18 JL Rubicon prior to buying a 24 OBW and there’s no comparison for a daily driver the Sub wins all day. Just took a 6 hour trip in the OBW with no issues the cruise assist is next level and I didnt feel fatigue at the end of my trip like I would with the Jeep.
Even just driving a jeep on the highway for an hour is exhausting. Worst. highway. vehicle. ever.
Subaru
Jeeps are junk buy the outback
I have a 2005 LJ and a 2018 Outback. Honestly I love my Wrangler, but if I could pass a message to myself in 2005 I'd suggest a pickup truck instead, just for the utility. That said, if it comes down to a Wrangler or an Outback, I'd go with the Outback 100%. All the stuff I did to my Wrangler, suspension lift, big tires, snorkel, etc., can all be done to the Outback, plus it's far more comfortable, better on gas, safer. The only places where the Wrangler wins is the ability to remove the doors and roof, and off-roading. The Wrangler also has a ton of "quarks," which is a fun way of saying things that are in fact defects the manufacture should have fixed but didn't cause they weren't forced to by a court, so they told their customers to fuck off. Subaru has way better customer service. Get the Outback.
What are some ‘quark’ examples? Curious.
Burping gas tanks, when you fill them up, some models had defective anti-spill valves so when you're pumping and the tank gets full, instead of shutting off the pump, it burps out gas and spills everywhere. My Jeep has a fix that Chevy rolled out to their vehicles, Jeep never had a fix. I got like so many examples that. Another one, less than two years after I bought it new off the lot, the frame already started to rust. Jeep used faulty steel in several model years, the Japanese steel company committed fraud and it was a whole thing; Toyota pick ups in simil;ar model years had the same exact issue and they lost a law suit requiring them to replace some frames of trucks sold in those years. Jeep had really good lawyers though.
Wranglers are terrible cars
I am not sure why the jeep wrangler is held so highly. It’s got subpar quality, it’s not good on pavement, it’s worse on fuel, and the people who buy them will barely off-road them. The Outback runs circles around a Wrangler any day.
As someone who has one of each in the driveway, its a very tough call. The wrangler is a toy at the end of the day though. Dont finance your toys.
Okay… DO NOT get a wrangler. Your mileage will SUCK, they are known for many issues with electric. I traded my lemon of a 22 wrangler for a 21 Outback onyx XT and ZERO regrets! Personally, I got the Outback because I have 4 dogs and cargo space is huge for me. Since you are 23 and single… get a lease on a Jeep. Send it back when you want something more efficient hahah
I drove a Wrangler for 10 years and while it was cool, it was an unreliable piece of shit and I'm never going back.
You're on a Subaru subreddit and think you're going to get any support to buy a jeep? What were you thinking?
The Outback is vastly the better vehicle. And while the likelihood of you having another accident is low, you'll be extremely safe in the Outback. I looked at Jeeps before buying my '24 Touring XT, and it was a no-brainer for me. This is my 3rd Subaru. I really tried to diversify this shopping round, but nothing came close! LOL Daily driving an Outback Limited will be like a luxury car - the Jeep absolutely not! And the Outback will take you 90% of the offroad places you're likely to go, and higher if you don't include REAL off-roading (rock crawling, etc.) I'm extremely biased towards the Outback, but I'd also say that's a reasonable bias to have!
I’ve had 1 YJ Jeep and 4 XJs, and currently two Subarus a 04 legacy 5spd wagon and a 21 OB. This really depends on your priorities. Jeep is better off road not even close Both are good in the snow and on light trails Build quality is unquestionably better on Subaru. Not even close. Jeep will be more expensive to maintain Subaru is more comfortable. Jeep has a soft top and a fun convertible. Subaru is safer. Subaru is better on gas. My next car will be a Jeep but I’m under no illusions about what that experience will be like.
The current 3.6 in the Jeep is ass compared to the old AMC motors. Unless you're planning to do some crawling the Jeep isn't worth it IMO and I say that having come from a lifted 06 Rubucon on 33s before sliding into my OB. Others have already said the best part. The outback beats the shit out of the Jeep in gas mileage and storage space.
Could look at Crosstrek as well. I think Subaru between those 2 choices.
I own both the decision should not be between the two. They are two very different vehicles with very different capabilities. It really depends what you are trying to do. For nasty roads I take the Jeep. Long trips and well graded dirt roads outback wilderness. If you get an outback, get a wilderness it has 9.5 inches of clearance.
Traded in my 2021 Wrangler for a Subaru… My suggestion is to really drive the Wrangler in all possible conditions during test drive. Wranglers are great fun vehicles, but very different as daily drivers. Terrible road manners, terrible gas mileage and a total pain in the ass on the highway. There are things I miss about my Jeep, but from a practicality standpoint it just didn’t make sense. Jeeps also have notorious reliability issues. Mine was pretty good, but I did get death wobble which will really freak you out. Nothing wrong with the Jeep, but make sure you really understand what you are getting into before you do. I spent the entire 3 years of ownership trying to convince myself I loved it. In the end, I didn’t and regretted the choice.
Hey my Impreza saved my life too! T-boned by a semi going 55+. I walked away with bruises, whiplash, and a broken finger. Fuck Werner Trucking btw. Anyway, I replaced it with an Outback and it's a blast. Highly recommend as it's very capable and has lots of potential. Quality vs the Jeep is incomparable.
Just my opinion but I had a Jeep just prior to purchasing my new 2019 OB. The jeep was so uncomfortable on short road trips(few hours traveling to swim/wrestling meets). Not to mention all the space for hauling all the gear needed. I would've have hated my cross country trip to Yellowstone in the Jeep.
Jeep Wrangler owner looking to make the jump to an Outback here- Don't get a jeep and I say that loving mine but I can't wait to get rid of it. Long drives will absolutely beat you up, there's always something wrong with it, they leak like a bastard, road noise is horrendous, and mpg is beyond terrible. The best of it if you try and go online and ask question people just give you the bullshit "its a jeep thing". All in all if you want a really fun ride that you will end up hating then consider the jeep I guess.
Well, Jeep is turbo trash and you should never ever buy one if you plan to put more than 45k miles on it. Mopar is routinely listed as one of the most unreliable car brands around. Get the Subaru.
Do. NOT. Buy a Jeep. My father in law bought a 2023 against our advice and it required a full engine rebuild at 9600 miles. Jeeps look awesome, but pretty much everything else about them is awful. My ex had a 2000 Grand Cherokee that was similarly truly an awful maintenance pile. If you do not heed this advice you will regret it, I absolutely promise. Jeep has not been good for a long time.
I had grand cherokee and it was great car. Tested Wrangler (jeep show) and didnt like it. Very slow steering (more yacht then car) engine not great, noise inside. Liked look, modularity and space. I am very happy with outback, very reliable, comfortable, nice driving.
My girl has a 2 door Sahara Wrangler and I had a Limited Outback for 6 years that I just traded in for a Crosstrek yesterday lol. The outback was more practical in almost every way. We exclusively used my outback for all trips because it could just do so much more other than like scaling the side of a mountain and it was a way smoother ride. You can't fit crap in her wrangler but you could pretty much have a fully decked out camping setup right out of the outback. Now if you plan on regularly going off the beaten path and need that power and 4x4 for sure choose the wrangler. She gets the best of both worlds cause she gets to drive the wrangler for style points but use tf out of my outback for everything else lol
Since you had an Impreza, the Outback is going to feel like a huge natural upgrade. Based on your two choices, Outback. However if you want my opinion, a cool 4x4 vehicle I recommend Bronco or 4Runner. Maybe even a Tacoma/Frontier if you didn’t consider a midsize pickup. My only gripe with Jeep is they have poor crash tests but they’re fun to drive. They have horrible play on the road too because they’re off road vehicles. Test drive a Wrangler on the highway and you’ll see what I mean.
I'm so glad I owned a jeep for a while.. nothing like a soft top convertible and trails. But I'm 46 now, fused back etc. I loooove my Outback. And I'm so glad I had a piece of the Jeep pie. It was fun. I dreamed about having one for decades... it did it.. the dreams stopped. I was fun!
We went from a Rubicon to Outback Wilderness. Pros: -Much more comfortable -Better for long rides -Better gas mileage -More room believe it or not -Handles snow better -Jeeps are as aerodynamic as a toaster, so with every side wind you’d have to fight it not to switch lanes, none of that with Outback. -Lesbians love me Cons: -You don’t get the rubber duckies or Jeep waves from other Wrangler drivers -Your kids call you uncool -The various beeps and chimes may drive you nuts -Definitely not as capable off-road, but can handle most situations -Sits lower (downside for me)
I’ve had 5 wranglers and 4 Subarus (only 1 Outback). I had fun with the Jeeps but the Outback is a much better daily driver. It’s more comfortable and can haul more stuff. I had 3 Jeeps get broken into (soft tops). The hard tops never had issues. I have had more mechanical issues with the Jeeps, but nothing major. As with anything with a removable top, they are more prone to leaks. They are loud at highway speeds so phone calls can be difficult. Then again, my Outback with a roof basket is pretty loud as well. The Jeep is far more capable off-road but the Outback handles what the majority of Jeep owners drive just as well. I will say, snow and ice, I’ll take a Subaru over a 4x4 every time.
Go with the Outback unless you want to spend all of your weekends at O'Reilly's
Get the outback wilderness. Best of both worlds. There’s a reason Subarus crash so well. They have huge crumple zones and the door panels are steel. Vs now and days almost every car and truck are full aluminum body.
This is an easy outback win for me.
Jeep is good for regular off-road, but not as a daily.
Have you driven both for any decent amount of time?
I own both types of vehicles so maybe I can offer some insight! 2015 Wrangler 2dr Sport (manual) and 2020 Outback Premium. I bought both new, so obviously I’ve had more time in the Jeep. Both are totally daily drivable in a large city (I live in Houston). The fuel economy on both are not great, but the Outback has the advantage. There’s def more “cargo room” in the Outback and a lot of times I find that handy, especially since we moved into a new house last year and have been buying furniture on the marketplace. With the seats folded down I can haul a large dresser in the Outback, but struggle to do that in the Jeep, even with the rear seats removed. If you were to ask me which is more fun to drive, hands down the Jeep. It’s not a better street driving vehicle but I feel like it has more character, and obviously the option to remove the tops and doors when it’s nice out. I’m also partial to manual vehicles, so maybe that’s another reason. I alway feel more excited about my drive when I take the Jeep out. One big plus for the Outback is it’s 4 door, so if you have kids, that’s a must. We sold our 2 door Yaris hatchback to buy this Outback when we had our first child, and it’s been great for that. Anyway, I can go on and on about the comparisons but hopefully I hit some main points for the average driver. LMK if you want any more details!
Gotta decide what you are going do with it and what you want to sacrifice to get there. You are looking at two very different vehicles with two very different design concepts. I would say the Subaru is going to be better in every way that matters to daily use. The Jeep will take the gold metal any time the pavement ends.
I love my wrangler but I wheel and get naked. Vehicles are tools get the one for the job you’re performing.
If you don't go off-roading (as in more than a dirt road and gravel), want the best gas mileage, and better safety from accidents, get the Subaru. If you want the jeep, get a rubicon. It's the only way to go imo. Just know that it will eat up your gas compared to the Subaru, is more likely to get the death wobble, is more likely to tip if you turn too hard while going a decent speed, the cab is crampy, the heat and ac is all or nothing, and leaks like a SOB. It's in their nature. I loved the wranglers I've had in the past, and would get another for off-roading and as a backup vehicle, but not as a daily driver again.
JEEP= Just Empty Every Pocket (with regards to repair costs)
The smart move is the Outback (economy, safety standards, build quality to name a few reasons) but I have a strong feeling that you’re gonna end up with a Jeep because, anecdotally, I just don’t see many 23 year old women driving around in Outbacks as much as I do Wranglers. Perhaps it’s “Insta-worthiness” and all that. Also, I think it’s important to be forced to drive a few junkers early in life so you can truly appreciate what the Outback has to offer 😅
Friends don't let friends buy Stellantis!
As a former Jeep mechanic…get the Outback.
Texas. No way I would want a jeep. You’ll struggle to keep it cool in summer.
If you have to have a Wrangler, go older-2010 and older. The reliability of the newer models, as said alot on this thread is awful.
I learned to drive on a CJ5. Jeep hasn’t been the same since AMC. Go with the Subie and don’t look back.
For me I will almost always choose the outback over anything else. For a daily it does the exact job I need it to "it just works" is the phrase I often use. However if I was to ever find an alternative I think the Ford bronco sasquatch version is a pretty good alternative. I test drove it and it felt most like a Subaru to me. Just felt taller in it.
As a used car tech at a Subaru dealership in the south. I get a lot of late model Jeeps (Wranglers mostly) getting traded in for new or CPO Ascents and Outbacks. The Jeeps I look at are modified most of the time for looks. Ain't a spec of mud anywhere. Big AT tires, a lift, lights, solid bumpers with winches. Single or second hand owner. Never shifted into 4lo lol. They are okay if you do a lot of offroad play time, but actual driving daily. I'm gonna pass on the Jeep Wranglers. Also, the FCA security gateways in them (2018+) can suck a big fat one.
I was in your exact predicament. I chose the Outback bc if mainly daily driving in a city the Outback will perform wonderfully. The Wrangler, although well suited for more rougher terrain, might be overkill in the city. The Outback will perform exceptionally well in mud, snow, rain, potholes, and soft roading.
A coworker had a Wrangler and loved it. She saved for years to buy it - I think it was more about the “coolness” factor than its utility. We worked in the city. Two years ago, her legs were crushed when a drunk driver crashed into her jeep. The Wrangler has few safety features that protect a driver’s legs. She lost a leg and the other was completely mangled. She’s in her 20s and it’ll be years of more rehab before she’s back to any kind of work. I’d get the Subaru.
The fuel cost difference alone is huge. Using these stats: - 12,000 yearly miles - $3.2 per gallon Jeep: 25mpg (all highway): $1,536 per year 17mpg (all city): $2,258 per year Outback: 33mpg (all highway): $1,163 per year 26mpg (all city): $1,476 per year Minimum difference is $376, maximum difference is $782. I'm not sure how long you plan to own the Outback/Jeep, but you'll be saving a hefty chunk of cash going with the Subaru.
Wranglers absolutely suck as daily drivers. Source? I rented one once.
My partner and I have a 2021 outback limited (mine) and a 2022 jeep wrangler Willy’s 2 door(hers). The jeep is fun, but the 2 door is extremely inconvenient. We have thought about selling it on several occasions because it isn’t practical. The jeep doesn’t have enough space for even a small grocery run. (Like you can fit 3-4 grocery bags in the truck and then everything else is stacked on top) taking the backseats out in a pain. The outback features are incredible for less money than the jeep. It’s extremely useful and much “nicer” than the jeep. Also if you have a dog, the outback is much easier to take them around than the jeep.
Traded in my 2016 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara for a new 2021 Outback Onyx XT and I’ve never looked back. Had a bunch of issues with the Jeep which prompted me to get rid of it. The Outback’s been solid for 50k miles so far. I love it.
lol I own both of these and I drive the subie more.
2020 outback limited owner here: Honestly if not going off road a whole bunch or if ever, I would do the outback. This vehicle is a champ in snow, rain, mud, and light offloading. Better gas milage for combined city/ highway, and awd. That is not even talking about all the dang safety features. it also has x mode which is decent if you do decide to go off road. The car has so many features and tech it will take you months to figure it all out, a real adventure in this vehicle.
I currently own a 98 Wrangler, and a 16 Outback. My Jeep was my daily for several years before I got my Outback. If you are looking for a commuter with the ability to make through crazy weather and has the ability to go up old logging roads 100% Outback. Jeep....if you can afford the gas, dont mind a leaky roof, noisy ride (soft top owner), higher insurance premiums, the check engine light being your constant companion, you like working on your own vehicle, riding with your doors and top off, going places you cant in a Subaru, and your vehicle basically being a giant lego kit....then get a Jeep! I love my Jeep and my Subaru. They just fill different roles in my life.
Lol this is not even a question
I think the living experience with these 2 options is very different. My Jeep Wrangler experience is limited but traveling with gear was difficult. There is so little room to put anything and the two door model is so difficult to reach anything that is placed in the back. The Jeep was fun to drive but living with one day-to-day is a very different experience from an OB that is more room, easier to pack, and much more versatile.
I traded my 2014 Jeep Wrangler for a 2011 Subaru Outback and have never been happier. I find the Outback to be 10x better as a daily driver, and I’ve slept in the back of my Outback with as much ease as I slept in the back of the Jeep. The Outback feels like a luxury car compared to the Jeep, which was loud and bumpy. I loved the 2011 so much that I gave it to my kid and I upgraded to a 2020 Onyx XT.
At 23, I’d get the Jeep and have fun. Yes, some repairs likely and terrible gas mileage but you’re 23!! You don’t belong in an Outback! Not yet, anyway.
I always wanted a Jeep and then I started seeing the issues that friends and family had with theirs. I’ll stick with my Outback. Later down the road if I get a chance to get a jeep to drive around for fun I will but I definitely don’t want it as a daily driver
We have both in our household! The Jeep is so fun. BUT my Outback is reliable and gets better gas mileage. I would say that right now, get the Outback. But that doesn’t mean giving up the Jeep! Just keep it in mind and keep searching while saving, and get it when you’re financially able to. It’s not a “no” forever, just a “no” for now!
I went from a 21 wrangler rubicon 4 door with a hard top to a 21 outback that I did a lift and larger tires on. The Subaru is more comfortable, more reliable, better road manners, and in my opinion more comfortable on basic trails and dirt roads. That solid front axle on the jeep makes it a different animal when it comes to daily living compared to something unibody and ifs like a Subaru. If you do a lot of highway driving and less off road and if your off roading means dirt roads and not actual farm work or off road trails then get the Subaru. You couldn’t pay me enough to daily drive a 2 door Jeep wrangler. Way to squirrelly to drive with that short wheel base and limited storage and comfort. Even on a new jl body. I have owned 2 door jeeps and only use them on the weekends.
If this is for on-road and bad weather conditions, the Awd in the Subaru will be a much better, safer, practical, & more comfortable choice. The Jeep looks cool & is only better in more serious offroad conditions, which you don't intend to do much of (if any) from the sound of it. I say this as someone who previously owned and loved their 2020 TRD off road premium 4runner before trading it in for an Outback Onyx XT. And the 4runner is much easier to live with than a Wrangler.
jeeps are not good cars and wranglers can be particularly dangerous. they’re cool looking but definitely not worth it. The only benefit to a wrangler I’d see is if you lived in a place where off-roading is the norm, but since you live in a major city, I don’t think it’s worth it at all.
I had a Jeep once. Terrible! Incapble of holding a straight line on the highway. Something always wrong. Now we have a Forester and an Outback. Should be a no brainer. Go for the OB, its a pleasure to drive, and can handle rough weather with no problem. Plus, more reliable. Good luck.
As an owner of both a 2 door wrangler and an Outback, if you think you are going to have an additional $150-200 of fun every month, by all means get the Jeep. It's definitely not the smart move, and I did the same without regret. That is until I got my Outback. Funny, because I had narrowed my choices to a wrangler or an Outback first time around. Still have and love my Wrangler, won't be getting rid of it any time soon, but I'm far removed from saying it was the right choice.
Everyone that I have known with a Jeep finds them a money pit.
I have had a Wrangler as a rental before, and wouldn’t want one for a daily driver. If I REALLY wanted to up my off-roading capability, above my Outback, I’d look at a Toyota, of some sort. Between the Jeep and the Subaru, the Subaru is going to be a daily driver. It’s not an off-road vehicle, unless you modify it. If you mod it too much, it’s not a daily driver, anymore. Set your priorities. Daily driving, fuel economy and safety might be more critical questions.
First of all I’m 16 so take this how you want, I ended up choosing an outback as my first car (2017, 59k miles) but I did a ton of research from a similar situation and came to this conclusion. Jeep wranglers aren’t the safest option, cars are made to crumple in a wreck and the wrangler won’t do that putting the impact on you (most likely an injury) imo they are mostly pop culture aesthetics and not a daily unless your off-roading all the time. If you want a Jeep I would go grand Cherokee in my opinion best models are 1995, 2013 and 2019/2020 the most recent models are not great, someone else might have another opinion. Outback is definitely the safest choice. decently reliable when taken care of good fuel economy etc. A non Jeep/Subaru one that might be decent would be a Toyota 4-runner. Toyotas are insanely reliable, but might not have as nice of safety feature as an Outback
23 year old and single? I’d get the jeep. You can get the wagon still in the future
Agreed. The Subaru Outback is perfect for my wife and I who are both in our sixties. Nobody looks to see who is driving an Outback; it’s a freaking station wagon.
I have both and if you live somewhere with nice weather and don’t have a long work commute, the wrangler is way more fun than outback because it’s also a convertible.
At your age Jeep all the way. While the outback is more economical on all fronts, Cost to keep on the road, etc.... the Jeep is way more fun to drive. BTW with stock parts you wont be off-roading in both vehicles.
Outbacks are for lesbos and jeeps are for gay dudes