Ranger vs Outback

[OFC Ranger]

Mod for Mod discussion, what can the Ranger do that the Outback cannot? I want to exclude obvious advantages of a truck like a bed to haul items and/or bigger foot print means more storage capacity.

So off top of my head I imagine;

- less risk of water intrusion when crossing deeper body of water
- better approach and departure


I've often mulled the idea over a smaller foot print vehicle and from what I have read their AWD system is pretty darn capable in all types of muck.

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[Trigganometry]

You’re going to need the Ranger no matter what!

 

[dtech]

Outback is dog tested and dog approved, never heard the Ranger make that claim:

According to Autotrader, the Subaru brand is recognized again for being dog friendly, and the 2022 Outback midsize SUV gets the nod as one of the 2022 10 Best Cars for Dog Lovers. This award is no surprise as the Subaru brand is involved with pet safety and has been for years.Aug 25, 2022

 

[IdahoRanger]

Outback is dog tested and dog approved, never heard the Ranger make that claim:

According to Autotrader, the Subaru brand is recognized again for being dog friendly, and the 2022 Outback midsize SUV gets the nod as one of the 2022 10 Best Cars for Dog Lovers. This award is no surprise as the Subaru brand is involved with pet safety and has been for years.Aug 25, 2022

Love the Barkleys.

 

[IdahoRanger]

Mod for Mod discussion, what can the Ranger do that the Outback cannot? I want to exclude obvious advantages of a truck like a bed to haul items and/or bigger foot print means more storage capacity.

So off top of my head I imagine;

- less risk of water intrusion when crossing deeper body of water
- better approach and departure


I've often mulled the idea over a smaller foot print vehicle and from what I have read their AWD system is pretty darn capable in all types of muck.

Ground clearance is similar but body is closer to ground so water intrusion could be an issue. Don't remember what the approach and departure angles are on the Outback. Totally different handling characteristics but the AWD is pretty solid and well planted on the road. I have not taken the wife's 2014 Outback off road much, did most of that with my Forester,.

 

[alexhdavis]

Mod for Mod discussion, what can the Ranger do that the Outback cannot? I want to exclude obvious advantages of a truck like a bed to haul items and/or bigger foot print means more storage capacity.

So off top of my head I imagine;

- less risk of water intrusion when crossing deeper body of water
- better approach and departure


I've often mulled the idea over a smaller foot print vehicle and from what I have read their AWD system is pretty darn capable in all types of muck.

We have a '16 Outback Touring and a '22 XLT Crew 4x4, both are basically stock. Ive also previously owned 3 Foresters, so I have a decent sense of the Subie CVT and drive train.

The two are just so far beyond comparison in my eyes. The Outback feels like minivan compared to the Ranger. It has a lot of weight hanging off the rear axle, and the undercarriage is more exposed without a steel frame to help protect it. I wouldn't push the AWD anywhere near as much as I have the Ranger in 4L. If you wanted a more off-road capable vehicle with good mpg Id get the Forester.

That being said, the Outback is great around town and for long drives. It carries so much shit, the engine is much quieter and the 33 mpg on the highway is great too. My best advice is to get both!

 

[alexhdavis]

Ground clearance is similar but body is closer to ground so water intrusion could be an issue. Don't remember what the approach and departure angles are on the Outback. Totally different handling characteristics but the AWD is pretty solid and well planted on the road. I have not taken the wife's 2014 Outback off road much, did most of that with my Forester,.

Ranger and Outback is a great combo, right?!

 

[IdahoRanger]

Ranger and Outback is a great combo, right?!

Yes, especially in Idaho. Wife does not want to get newer one because she hates the technology and her Outback only has 55k miles.

She traded a 2008 Escape AWD for the Subaru.

 

[tm1506]

We have the 2021 Ranger and a 2020 Outback XT in our garage. I prefer to drive the Ranger but the Outback is one nice car to take on a road trip. A direct comparison to me is apples to oranges.

 

[AdamHarris]

Subaru is a prime example of marketing at work. They are fine vehicles and I’m not putting them down at all, but they are really not any more off-road capable than a dozen other SUVs, such as an AWD RAV4, various Volvos, my Merc GLK 350 4-Matic, Bronco sport, etc. etc.. Well maybe they do have a little more ground clearance than sone others but that would be their only advantage. All the others have amazing all-wheel-drive systems these days that can send power to just one wheel, etc.

 

[9zero1790]

towing would be a obvious one but its a valid point.
I have seen some tricked out subies off road and they did ok until it went from very mild to needing real 4x4.
depending on ones body a truck may be easier to get in and out of. Im not that tall but always feels like im climbing down to cars instead of just sliding in a truck. in terms of modifications i think trucks in general have way more after market options for racks extension boxes and whatever else one could put on a vehicle.
the subie may be better on fuel and have more inside room for families or gear. I think the only really solid upsides for the ranger or any truck really are directly related to it being a truck. a truck is like a multi purpose tool. you can push and pull stuff with it mount things on it throw things in it and do things from it. but the versatility typically comes with less mpg, less reliability, higher cost to own etc.

 

[Joeiconic]

I think the Subaru all wheel drive system is more “in the snow“ good than “off-road” good. My aunt has one and there is nothing rugged about it in my opinion. Plus, she’s had all kinds of electrical and battery issues and she is not alone.

https://www.torquenews.com/1084/upd...tery-lawsuit-settlement-what-owners-need-know

 

[Frenchy]

Can we add a Rolls Royce to the Discussion? I figure we might as well since the comparison would be just as effective

 

[TXRangerTim]

The Subaru AWD is standard and rated as one of the best in class. Not all AWD systems are the same. It will take most people where they want to go (mild offroad, snow, etc) and maybe farther depending on the driver of course. It's not the same as a dedicated 4x4 system but it's not meant to be. There are lots of comparison videos on youtube.

 

[Azhang253]

Truck stuff aside, I think the main advantage of the Ranger is off road capability and potential.

You have a true dual speed transfer case. This is great off road, but is a detriment on-road imo. AWD is pretty hard to beat as far as road manners go.

You have more aftermarket support for adding bigger tires. You can easily add a factory locker or swap in an ARB front and rear. Plus, it's simply easier and cheaper to fit 35"'s or bigger on a truck than a wagon.

On road, aside from "truck stuff", I can't think of anything that a Ranger does better than an Outback. I don't have my Ranger yet, but comparing the test drive of the Ranger to my dad's Outback, I can 100% say that the Outback is more comfortable on the road. It's not a HUUUGE difference, like comparing the Outback to my Jeep, but its definitely there.

And I agree with @Joeiconic ; the Subaru is absolutely incredible for slush and snow. I'd take AWD + good traction control over 4WD or RWD in snow any day.

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