2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2020 Subaru Ascent

The 2020 Subaru Ascent, resembling a larger Subaru Forester, was designed with practicality and utility in mind. It featured gray plastic cladding for protection, an oversized grille, and exaggerated fender flares for a robust look. Roof rails and 20-inch aluminum wheels added to its functional appeal. The base model started at $31,995, with the Premium trim at $34,395 offering better detailing and features. The Limited trim at $39,345 included leather seats, while the top-tier Touring trim at $45,045 added premium leather, a panoramic sunroof, and luxury enhancements. The test vehicle, priced at $46,285, showcased a stylish interior with quality materials and thoughtful details, especially in the Touring trim.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless aesthetic with soft curves and rounded edges, maintaining a modern yet less aggressive look compared to competitors. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, akin to a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an automotive masterpiece with flowing lines and a minimalist approach. The interior set a high standard for compact luxury SUVs, with the GLC Coupe offering a sharp look at the cost of some cargo space. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, with options for enhanced luxury and technology.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Despite its power, the Ascent's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.9 mpg compared to the EPA estimate of 22 mpg. The Ascent's handling was not particularly sporty, with numb steering and a suspension that struggled on undulating roads. However, it excelled in off-road conditions with features like Active Torque Split AWD, X-Mode off-road traction, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC AWD. The GLC's performance was balanced and responsive, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants provided significantly higher horsepower, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 producing up to 503 hp. The GLC's handling was precise, and it maintained a refined driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent offered a comfortable interior, especially in the Touring trim with soft leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats had significant track travel, making them suitable for tall individuals. The dashboard featured a useful shelf and ambient lighting, though the controls appeared dated. The Ascent provided a choice between a second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs, with the latter offering better comfort and convenience. The third-row seats were accessible and provided acceptable space for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 19.4 cubic feet with them up. The GLC Coupe's cargo space was slightly less, at 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC's interior was well-designed, with a decently sized center console and deep door pockets. Rear-seat space was adequate, though the Coupe's low roofline reduced headroom. Overall, the GLC made efficient use of its interior space, providing a comfortable and practical environment for passengers and cargo.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and an 8-inch touchscreen starting with the Premium trim. The Touring trim added a high-resolution screen and navigation. While the system was user-friendly, the voice-control system was outdated and the navigation system occasionally inaccurate. The Ascent included USB ports in all three rows and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. Visibility aids included a 180-degree front camera and rear camera view, though a 360-degree view camera was not available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, with both touch and controller options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though switching between the radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome. Overall, the MBUX system was advanced and user-friendly.

The 2020 Subaru Ascent was built on a platform designed for exceptional occupant protection, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included EyeSight, which offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED steering-responsive headlights, and reverse automatic braking. The Ascent also featured a rear-seat reminder system and Starlink Safety Plus connected services, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included front and rear parking sensors, hands-free parking assist, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. The parking sensors were overly sensitive, but the GLC offered a comprehensive suite of safety technologies.