2021 Subaru Outback vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges, contributing to a reduced drag coefficient of .29. The front end saw the most significant visual transformation, making the vehicle appear more handsome and refined. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, allowing for an optional third row. However, the special $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint showed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for 2020, maintained a familiar and comfortable feel, reminiscent of older models. The interior, especially in higher trims, felt fresh and luxurious, with quality materials and a substantial feel. The Onyx Edition XT featured gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of wildness to the otherwise conservative design. The exterior remained smooth and plain, with high gray cladding for protection. The Outback's design emphasized practicality and durability, making it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While it offered sufficient 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 competitors like the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, which struggled to move the vehicle, especially when loaded. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered performance, making the Outback slow and noisy. However, the XT trim's 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base engine, with 23 mpg city and 30 highway, but it was worth the trade-off for better power and capability.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided ample space in the second row, with 33.3 to 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind it and 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured 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 discomfort 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 2021 Subaru Outback offered 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. The Outback's visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and lots of glass. Storage options were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some essential features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims, and the moonroof was bundled with expensive options.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was deep and daunting at first but became second nature with use. The system included two giant 12.3-inch screens, a head-up display (HUD), and options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The voice control system, while great in the A-Class, had issues in the GLE, which Mercedes attributed to the pre-production model.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system looked outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. The central screen in the instrument panel was even worse. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the optional navigation was more modern-looking. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system worked well but relied solely on cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

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 drowsiness, and Seat Kinetics adjusted seating positions to prevent discomfort. However, the adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist systems were less reliable at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get fooled by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and four stars for the rollover test.