Jeep Wrangler JK vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Jeep Wrangler JKSport | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Sport | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | four wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2018 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Jeep Wrangler JKSport | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,995 (best) | $34,995 |
| Lowest listing price | $18,399 | $7,995 (best) |
| Median listing price | $20,601 (best) | $42,338 |
| Highest listing price | $22,803 (best) | $53,175 |
| For sale now | 2 | 174 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Jeep Wrangler JKSport | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 18 MPG | 28 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 21 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 18.6 gal (best) | 18 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Jeep Wrangler JKSport | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp (best) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.6 L (best) | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Jeep Wrangler JKSport | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 3 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 56.5 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Payload | 1,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 4,075 lbs | 3,741 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 8.2 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 95.4 in | 108.1 in (best) |
| Length | 164.3 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 73.7 in | 74 in (best) |
| Height | 72.6 in (best) | 67.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Jeep Wrangler JKSport | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Side pole | Not Rated | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 3 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Jeep Wrangler JK | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sport $23,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Sport S $26,995 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | Unlimited Sport $27,895 MSRP | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | Willys Wheeler $28,295 MSRP | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | Golden Eagle $29,195 MSRP | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | Freedom Edition $29,695 MSRP | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
| 7 | Willys Wheeler W $30,395 MSRP | — |
| 8 | Sahara $30,445 MSRP | — |
| 9 | Unlimited Sport S $31,095 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Unlimited Willys Wheeler $32,195 MSRP | — |
| 11 | Unlimited Sport RHD $32,695 MSRP | — |
| 12 | Unlimited Golden Eagle $33,095 MSRP | — |
| 13 | Altitude $33,445 MSRP | — |
| 14 | Unlimited Freedom Edition $33,595 MSRP | — |
| 15 | Rubicon $33,645 MSRP | — |
| 16 | Unlimited Sahara $34,245 MSRP | — |
| 17 | Unlimited Willys Wheeler W $34,295 MSRP | — |
| 18 | Unlimited Altitude $37,245 MSRP | — |
| 19 | Unlimited Rubicon $37,445 MSRP | — |
| 20 | Rubicon Recon $39,145 MSRP | — |
| 21 | Unlimited Rubicon Recon $42,945 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Jeep Wrangler JK2 for sale
See all
Subaru Outback174 for sale
See all
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Used2016 Subaru Outback
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Ice Silver Metallic•Black85,540 mi$15,531Fred Anderson Toyota of Charleston
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Jeep Wrangler JK vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK starts lower at $23,995. Live Jeep Wrangler JK listings start at $18,399. Live Subaru Outback listings start at $7,995.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (23,995).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Subaru Outback leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK leads on horsepower in this comparison (285).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (3,500).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Jeep Wrangler JK (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).