Expecting to get blazed for even asking but here we go. If I can get some constructive feedback and not a thread full of biased trashing you'd really be helping me out.
Cross shopping between the 2013 Outback 3.6r and 2013 JKUS. Both got their pros and cons. Anyone ever have this dilemma? My purpose for this vehicle will be DD in the city and the occasional vacation trips with light off-roading. For my needs the Wrangler imo is overkill but I like the novelty aspect of it. Then again with the Outback I can have both luxury and light offroad capability in one package. Bring it! :hide:
I have a 2013 JKUR and my wife has the suby 3.6r I get 12-14 mpg she gets 24-26mpg I love hers it' quick and can go almost anywhere.....but not like a JK. Her car is great for long trips hauling stuff.
I second that. A diesel GC will have far more torque, and 50% better due economy + better aftermarket support. The Golf-R is a nice choice too as it does 200 mph in stock form, is cheaper than a Sahara, 30+ combined mpg, drives like a German sports car should, VW is desperate for customers, and there is a factory kit for it sold as an "off-road package". It has a 1.5 inch lift, stronger suspension and aluminum skid plates.
That Subaru looks like a nice car. It has a slight station wagon look which I don't personally care for but if you have family I would go with that based on your needs ( even though it will be less fun to drive).
i've asked myself the same question. but as others said if you don't need something the jeep offers don't get it. jeep at its core is capable offroad, convertible. almost everything else out there is better at being a DD then the jeep. i want a jeep (again) because i love cruising doorless/topless.
My wifes outback walks all over my Grand Cherokee granted I don't have a hemi but still it packs way more bang for the buck than any jeep. That's my opinion and I own all three of the vehicles
I have no doubt that the Subaru is better on road than the Grand Cherokee. Most cars are. But if I am going to have a wagon, it better be able to tow over 6000 lbs.
I think it all comes down to preference. Personally I really like the Outback and I think it would be a very capable vehicle for the usage you describe. Test drive them both and get the one you like the best.
I have a jk, and an out back 3.6r. They are not comparable. Outback is very comfortable and fast with the six cylinder, the jk, or jku is , simply stated a jeep, rides like a jeep as well, not like an outback. Comfort and conveniece in outback surpasses the jeep, but cant touch the jeep off road. Based on your description, sounds like you are an outback candidate, and by all means , dont even consider the four cylinder
Subaru's are awesome, capable, fun, and well made vehicles. If you have no use for the Wrangler, don't bother considering it. It is a poor choice for a road driven only vehicle....and that includes dirt roads.
The JKU is more about personalization and fun I think. Before this I drove a fully loaded Ford Explorer Limited. Super cushy, leather/heated/power everything, sunroof, etc. But after a year of driving it - it was still the same exact car I bought. I got bored.
The Jeep however is already slightly different then when I bought it 2 weeks ago, and the options of large to small but noticeable changes is endless. Not to mention the daily decision of taking the vehicle with the top or the one with doors or the one with both or the one with some combination of this.
The Jeep is if you want something genuinely fun to drive and to play with. Its plenty cushy enough (what is luxury anyway? people who say the Jeep is rugged and clunky I just don't understand). Its endlessly changeable and configurable. Its just a lot of fun.
Not bashing at all. Just giving that perspective. Its not just about its offroad prowess.
I would say get whatever is going to provide you with the most enjoyment. If you have to have something this is more practical maybe the Outback is it. If you don't have a long commute or are willing to sacrafice some comforts for a 4wd convertible think Jeep. I thought when we started a family I had to have something comfortable that would just get me from point a to point b. After doing that for 5 years and wishing I had a Jeep again, I bought a JKU. Suits my needs but we take my wife's car anytime we are doing more than just zipping around town. Nothing compares to open air driving to me, and that outweighs speed and mpgs to me.
I thought about getting a more practical vehicle. Having removed the freedom panels on a warm summer day ... I don't know that I could ever go back to the dark side. In fact, I'm much more inclined at this point to invest in a soft top and half doors than I am to get a different vehicle.
If you have anything resembling a soul, you won't regret getting the Jeep.
Go with the 2013 Outback 3.6r, it's the first vehicle posted on your comment... subconsciously you already made up your mind, if you go with the Wrangler you will always second guess your purchase... Maybe your next vehicle can be a jeep.
When I did this google search to compare like the original poster, I put Jeep before the Subie. Does that mean I want the Jeep more?
Actually was thinking of the same thing, though I am single and this would be my only vehicle. I currently own an old Subaru Outback Sport and am looking for a new vehicle. Yeah, I love the shifting on it and smooth rid, but I want something different. I love the Jeep, but the only thing I worry about is the gas mileage and ride. I've tested a few and the ride isn't a nice as the Subaru, but it's fun. I don't know how much off-road use I'd get out of it, but I would like to try it at some point.
1. Is the vehicle dangerous on the highway? I hear horror stories on the highway and in the rain.
2. The gas mileage: Is it really that terrible? What about al of those big trucks on the road, ain't they similar in gas mileage?
It's always been a dream to own a Jeep, but I have always been practical and bought the Toyota Truck, the Subaru, etc.
Do you want a convertible? If yes, there is nothing other than a Wrangler that i'm aware of. If no, I would most likely go with the Subaru unless you have some other compelling reason to get the Jeep that's not included in the post.
My previous vehicle was an Acura TL. It is an amazing vehicle! It is both luxurious and is very sporty. It had all the bells and whistles. Power this and that. It drove amazingly smooth. It hugged corners with ease and it was powerful!
Then came the jeep. I sold the acura 1 week later.
I have my jeep rubi for 6 months now and I love it. There is nothing like driving a jeep period!
My friends wife bought a Subaru 3 years ago IT SUCKED too many quality issues from day 1! Now I may be subjective but nothin looks better than a JEEP wrangler!
I had a 2011 Outback Limited 2.5i. It was a great vehicle, although were I to do it again I would purchase the 3.6 as the 3 mpg difference is nothing compared to the torque that 3.6 has. I've owned 5 Subies, including a heavily modded 2009 WRX. They've all been flawless. We still have a 2012 Impreza Sport Limited, which is also a great vehicle. I am, however, enjoying the hell outta my '13 JKUS 'Freedom Edition'! Very different vehicles.
Aren't the new Outbacks under recall for fire hazard?
Having said that...if I was going to do highway driving with an occasional dirt trail and snow covered terrain only I'd do the Subaru because it'll be more efficient, comfortable, and won't have the problems the JK has like leaks, heads, heater cores, and all that junk.
I had to make the same decision. Decided to get the 2013 Outback 3.6 back in September. It is a great vehicle, fuel efficient, quick, reasonably comfortable, good for long or short trips, strong safety ratings and practical. Wife now primarily uses that one. Also good for light off road, I.e. dirt, gravel roads. And 2 weeks ago, I placed an order for a 2013 two door Commando Green Wrangler. So, in short, get both, and if you can't get both, then based on your needs, it sounds like the Outback wins.
I have owned well over 30 cars since i've been alive...i buy and sell them often, i get bored quick....i can tell you one thing though, this Jeep will be here awhile..
There's no other vehicle like it, but like you said if you're not gonna use it for what it's built for, don't buy it...Just don't regret it when you pull up next to a wrangler at the light with its doors and top off and say to yourself, man shit, i effed up.
I have a 2012 JKU, and the company car I drive is a 2011 outback...not the 3.6 tho, just the four banger. The Subaru isn't a bad car, the centrifugal clutch feeling transmission takes some getting used to tho. They are comfortable to drive, plenty get up and go, 3.6 would be even better tho. I work in sales and marketing so it's a lot of stop and go driving and it still gets awesome mileage in town. I'm always wishing my jeep got the same. I can drive forever on a tank in the Subaru! In the snow, unbelievable. We had about six inches of snow on the ground and it drove like it was on dry pavement! Personally to me, as said above, they are two entirely different vehicles, test drive each of them and weigh out the pros and cons. Good luck!
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