2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC had a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges, which contrasted with the aggressive styling trends of many contemporary SUVs. Its long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. The cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and crossover “coupe” body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sharper look.

Standard equipment on the GLC 300 included 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate. Inside, it featured synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a fully digital instrument panel. The MBUX infotainment system, with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, was also standard. Optional packages added features like navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, ambient lighting, wireless device charging, and a Burmester premium sound system. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered more potent powertrains and additional performance upgrades.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel, with analog gauges and a steering wheel design reminiscent of older models. The interior was fresher than the smaller Crosstrek, especially with the 11.6-inch portrait display available on Premium and above trims. This display was bright, sharp, and integrated well with the polished black plastic and chrome trim. Quality materials were evident throughout, with higher trims offering two-tone leather upholstery and contrast stitching. The Onyx Edition XT featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair.

The Outback’s exterior featured gray cladding on the wheel arches, sills, and bumpers, with smooth and plain styling that emphasized balance and stability. For 2021, adaptive LED headlights became standard, and a new brown paint option was available. The Outback’s lifted wagon design made it a great alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs, offering a unique blend of capability and practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive or optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC featured steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The powertrain was generally responsive, with occasional lag from a stop, and the steering provided precise turn-in and confident handling.

For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC43 offered a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC63 featured a twin-turbo V8 available in two versions: 469 hp for the 63 and 503 hp for the 63 S. These AMG variants delivered sports car-like acceleration and cornering capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Outback’s base engine was a 2.5-liter flat-four with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This powertrain struggled to move the Outback’s weight, especially when loaded with passengers and cargo, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT models, available on higher trims, featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing a significant improvement in power and refinement.

The Outback’s handling was geared towards comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance allowing it to tackle rough roads and off-road conditions. Subaru’s electronically-variable all-wheel drive system provided excellent traction and stability, with X-Mode optimizing performance for tougher conditions. The Outback’s off-road capability was superior to many crossovers and SUVs, thanks to Subaru’s rally car heritage.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 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 fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC’s interior featured a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders, making good use of its space. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe’s low roofline reduced headroom.

The 2021 Subaru Outback provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide, flat, and free of intrusive elements. The Outback offered ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions, with comfortable and supportive seats. Outward visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and a low shoulder height. Storage options included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console.

However, some features were only available on higher trims. Push-button start and rear climate vents were standard on Limited and above trims, with push-button start optional on the Premium. The Outback’s best feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, which could be swiveled and locked in place within seconds, offering a practical and cost-effective solution for carrying extra cargo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch controller and touchscreen options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the main infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though switching between the GLC’s radio and smartphone apps could be cumbersome.

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

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. However, the parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive, leading to frequent false positives. Optional safety features included a 360-degree parking camera, dynamic cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.

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. Rear emergency braking was optional on the Onyx Edition XT and standard on the Limited 2.5 and Touring models. A driver-attention monitor was standard on the Limited XT and Touring models. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the 2020 model being a Top Safety Pick+ and the 2021 model scoring five stars overall in NHTSA tests.