What To Know
- The Subaru Ascent and Jeep Wrangler are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market, offering a unique blend of off-road capability and family-friendly practicality.
- The Wrangler also offers a range of safety features, but it lacks some of the more advanced systems found in the Ascent.
- The Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, compared to the Wrangler’s 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Introduction:
The Subaru Ascent and Jeep Wrangler are two of the most popular midsize SUVs on the market, offering a unique blend of off-road capability and family-friendly practicality. But which one is right for you? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Subaru Ascent vs Jeep Wrangler side-by-side to help you make an informed decision.
Engine and Performance
The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler, on the other hand, offers a range of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While the Wrangler has a slight edge in horsepower, the Ascent’s turbocharger provides more low-end torque for better off-road performance.
Off-Road Capability
Both the Ascent and Wrangler are known for their off-road prowess. The Ascent features Subaru‘s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and X-Mode for enhanced traction and stability. The Wrangler, however, is the undisputed king of off-roading with its solid front and rear axles, electronic locking differentials, and Trail Rated badge.
Interior and Comfort
The Ascent offers a spacious interior with three rows of seating and ample cargo space. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is well-equipped with features like a large touchscreen infotainment system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The Wrangler’s interior is more rugged and utilitarian, with less cargo space and more limited seating options.
Safety and Technology
The Ascent comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Wrangler also offers a range of safety features, but it lacks some of the more advanced systems found in the Ascent. In terms of technology, the Ascent’s infotainment system is more user-friendly and offers more features than the Wrangler’s Uconnect system.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Ascent has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,550 pounds. The Wrangler’s towing capacity is slightly lower at 3,500 pounds, but it has a higher payload capacity of 1,610 pounds.
Fuel Economy
The Ascent’s fuel economy is slightly better than the Wrangler’s. The Ascent gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, compared to the Wrangler’s 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Price and Value
The Ascent’s base price is $32,970, while the Wrangler’s base price is $29,725. However, the Ascent offers more standard features and a higher level of refinement, which may make it a better value for some buyers.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right SUV for Your Needs
The Subaru Ascent and Jeep Wrangler are both excellent midsize SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a spacious, comfortable, and fuel-efficient SUV with good off-road capability, the Ascent is a great choice. If you’re looking for a more rugged and capable off-roader with a lower price point, the Wrangler is the better option.
FAQ:
- Which SUV has a better interior? The Subaru Ascent has a more spacious and comfortable interior with more features and a better infotainment system.
- Which SUV is better for off-roading? The Jeep Wrangler is the better choice for serious off-roading due to its solid axles, locking differentials, and Trail Rated badge.
- Which SUV has a higher towing capacity? The Subaru Ascent has a higher towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
- Which SUV is more fuel-efficient? The Subaru Ascent has slightly better fuel economy than the Jeep Wrangler.
- Which SUV is a better value? The Subaru Ascent offers more standard features and a higher level of refinement, making it a better value for some buyers.