2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's design featured a healthy 7.9 inches of ground clearance, giving it a more forgiving stance for soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel with round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted Mercedes-Benz's signature fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel and perforated leather grips.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in multiple trims including the new Wilderness, started at $25,195 and topped out at $35,295 for the Touring model. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured a white exterior, dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a rugged look. Inside, the Forester emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that exuded quality and clarity of purpose. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was intuitive, though the three display screens could be cumbersome. Overall, the Forester felt well-made, with the Wilderness trim excelling in off-road conditions despite its lack of engine power and excessive wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially in foul weather and off-road conditions, thanks to the Off-Road Engineering Package.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA rated the Forester Wilderness at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT's eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive's Sport mode provided acceptable performance, though a turbocharger would have been a welcome addition. The Wilderness trim's dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road capabilities, making it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice between a two-row and a three-row configuration. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. The three-row GLB added an "Easy-Entry" function for the second row and a retractable third row. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row to 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded in the two-row model. The three-row model offered 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options. The second row was comfortable for two adults, though a third adult would be cramped.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery in the Wilderness trim was water-resistant, complemented by all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails could accommodate a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space included armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, and dual front seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard technology included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality, traffic-sign assist, and a live camera feed. Additional options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless device charging, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. Higher trims, including Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, came with an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle's navigation system was helpful, though a breadcrumb function would have been useful. The voice recognition system was inconsistent. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features such as active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex, reducing hearing loss from a collision. The GLB had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The system performed well, though there was an issue with safety system warning lights during one engine re-start. Standard and available safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim added DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.