2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, resembling a scaled-down version of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice made sense, as the Ascent was previously described as a scaled-up Forester with a third row. Inside, the Forester's cabin looked modern but prioritized function over aesthetics, ensuring all utility aspects were considered first. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD), and EyeSight driver-assistance systems across all trims. The base trim was well-equipped with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, dual front USB ports, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen, among other features.

The Premium trim added 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof spoiler, and a large panoramic moonroof, while the Sport trim brought unique styling touches, larger front disc brakes, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Limited trim, which was driven for this review, featured leather upholstery, a power rear tailgate, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Touring trim added even more luxury with heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and navigation. The Limited and Touring trims also came with a Harman Kardon premium stereo system and navigation.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and reduced edges, contributing to a lower drag coefficient of .29. The front end saw the most significant transformation, making the vehicle look handsome and unoffensive. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch longer wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row. However, the test model did not include this option. The $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the tester showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

Starting at $53,700, the GLE 350 came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The test car included several expensive options, such as black leather upholstery, a cabin air purifier, and fragrance system, multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, and heated rear seats. The illuminated running boards and 19-inch wheels added to the vehicle's aesthetic appeal, while the Burmester stereo and "designo" black flamed, open-pore ash wood trim enhanced the interior. Despite the extensive options list, the GLE's price quickly escalated, with the test model costing $78,370.

The 2019 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This was an improvement from the previous model's 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. However, the lack of torque was noticeable, especially since the previous 2.0XT trim with a turbocharged engine was no longer available. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. The SI-Drive system, standard across all trims, allowed drivers to switch between Intelligent and Sport modes for better throttle response.

The Forester's X-Mode terrain-management system, available on all trims, optimized power delivery for various driving conditions. Despite its off-roading capabilities, the Forester offered a smooth ride with minimal body roll in corners and refined highway driving. Fuel economy was impressive, with 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. In mixed driving conditions, the Forester achieved 28.9 mpg.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 used a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350's fuel economy was 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, which was competitive but not exceptional.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's larger dimensions resulted in a tailgate opening 5 inches wider than the previous model. The base trim offered a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while other trims had 70.9 cubic feet. The Forester's larger wheelbase provided more backseat space, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance were beneficial for off-road conditions and older buyers. The cabin featured numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders, with excellent rearward visibility due to the tall greenhouse and driving position.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant second-row space, with 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior was dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping on long drives. However, the steering wheel often blocked parts of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system, available with either a 6.5-inch or 8-inch screen, was responsive and intuitive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert feature, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved away at a stoplight.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive head-up display (HUD). The system included augmented reality for navigation and natural voice control, although the latter did not work as well in the GLE as in the A-Class. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Other standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, front- and side-impact airbags, and a reversing camera.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate driver fatigue, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent cramping. However, the driver-assistance systems struggled at high speeds, causing the vehicle to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows and unexpected lines.