Compare the2024 Subaru SolterraVS 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S

The Subaru Solterra has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Wagoneer S doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Solterra has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Wagoneer S doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Full-time four-wheel drive is standard on the Solterra. Full-time four-wheel drive gives added traction for safety in all conditions, not just off-road, like the only system available on the Wagoneer S.

Both the Solterra and Wagoneer S have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Solterra has Parking Support Brake (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Wagoneer S’ Rear Cross Path Detection doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Solterra and the Wagoneer S have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The Subaru Solterra has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Wagoneer S has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 17 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 20 places higher in reliability than Jeep.

For better maneuverability, the Solterra’s turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the Wagoneer S’ (36.7 feet vs. 40 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Solterra has a 1.9 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Wagoneer S (8.3 vs. 6.4 inches), allowing the Solterra to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Subaru Solterra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1250 to 1350 pounds less than the Jeep Wagoneer S.

The Solterra is 7.8 inches shorter than the Wagoneer S, making the Solterra easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Solterra has .8 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room and .6 inches more rear headroom than the Wagoneer S.

The Solterra has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Wagoneer S 4dr Sport Utility with its rear seat folded (63.5 vs. 61 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Solterra easier. The Solterra’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28 inches, while the Wagoneer S’ liftover is 30.2 inches.

The Solterra has a higher standard payload capacity than the Wagoneer S (1045 vs. 879 lbs.).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Jeep. J.D. Power ranks Subaru 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 40% lower rating, Jeep is ranked 25th.

If the windows are left open on the Solterra the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Subaru service department.) The driver of the Wagoneer S can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.