2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a refreshed exterior with a new front fascia, featuring a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights, reminiscent of the A-Class and CLS-Class. Despite these updates, the GLC's design was often considered uninspiring from most angles, lacking the visual drama found in competitors like the Volvo XC60 or Acura RDX. The AMG versions, with their wide tires and vertical-bar grille, added some excitement, while the GLC Coupe's fastback roof offered a touch of flair. The interior, however, was a standout, with high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a standard 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller displays, and a new touchpad on the console, enhancing the user experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar design, with subtle updates from its 2020 redesign. The interior was refreshed, especially in trims above the base, featuring an 11.6-inch portrait display that was bright and sharp. The Outback's quality was evident, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, particularly in the Limited and Touring trims. The Onyx Edition XT offered a unique interior with water-resistant StarTex upholstery and lime green stitching. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth styling provided a balanced and stable appearance. The 2021 model introduced adaptive LED headlights as standard and a new paint option, maintaining its reputation as a lifted wagon alternative to typical crossovers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive, was reprogrammed for improved performance. Despite these enhancements, the engine's sound quality and response were lacking compared to competitors. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience. The AMG GLC 63 models, with their powerful V8 engines, provided even more impressive performance. However, the GLC 300's steering and handling were disappointing, with body roll and vague steering detracting from the driving experience. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination struggled with the Outback's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT models, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, offered a significant improvement with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The XT engine was quieter and more refined, providing better performance and capability. The Outback's handling was forgiving, with a comfortable ride and excellent off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and Subaru's proactive all-wheel-drive system. Fuel economy for the turbo XT was slightly lower than the base engine, at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a mix of digital and physical controls, with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system providing a user-friendly interface. The GLC's interior space was adequate for four adults, but the back seat's reclining mechanism was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded, less than competitors like the BMW X3.

The 2021 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The Outback's visibility was excellent, with thin pillars and large windows. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets and bottle holders in each door. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature, offering convenience and cost savings.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. While these features were innovative, they were not fully integrated and sometimes limited in functionality. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB-C ports, with optional wireless device charging. The Off-Road Engineering Package added hill-descent control and additional driving modes for challenging conditions.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system appeared dated, with graphics reminiscent of older technology. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's functionality was impressive but relied solely on cameras, which could be limited in certain conditions.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a 2019 Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top ratings in all crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the GLC a 5-star rating in all crash tests. New for 2020, Exit Warning Assist used radar sensors to detect approaching cyclists or cars, warning occupants for up to 3 minutes after shutting down the vehicle. Other safety features included Pre-Safe Sound and Predictive Brake Priming.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims, while rear emergency braking was standard on select models. The Outback was a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, with top ratings in crash tests and forward emergency braking. The NHTSA awarded the Outback an overall five-star rating, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.