2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC showcased a timeless aesthetic with its soft curves and rounded edges, a design language that Mercedes-Benz applied across its entire portfolio. Despite embodying modern aggression with its menacing LED headlights, the GLC avoided the overly sharp and aggressive look of some competitors. The 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. Inside, the GLC’s cabin was an automotive work of art, with flowing lines and a minimalist approach that elevated the interior to an art form. The soft lines and curves extended to the floating center touchscreen, and the overall design set a high bar for compact luxury SUV cabins.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized function over form, with a practical and utilitarian design. The Wilderness trim, in particular, featured rugged elements like a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, giving it a raccoon-like appearance. Inside, the Forester focused on durability and ease of use, with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that exuded quality and clarity of purpose, even if it appeared somewhat inexpensive and dated. The Forester’s interior was designed to withstand grit and grime, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.

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 with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ drive modes. Despite these performance-enhancing features, the GLC was more about refined and responsive driving rather than outright sportiness. The AMG GLC43 and AMG GLC63 variants offered more potent powertrains, with the latter’s twin-turbo V8 producing up to 503 horsepower, delivering sports car-like acceleration and cornering.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester’s driving dynamics were pleasing, with the CVT offering eight programmed ratios and SI-Drive for a more lively response. However, the Forester lacked the outright acceleration of turbocharged competitors. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road capability, making the Wilderness trim particularly adept at handling rugged terrain.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 56.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up. The GLC Coupe’s fastback profile reduced these figures to 49.4 and 17.6 cubic feet, respectively. The GLC provided ample storage options, including a decently sized center console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with plenty of legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe’s low roofline cut into headroom.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo area to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof), making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs. The squared-off cargo area and new ceiling-mounted cargo hooks added to its practicality.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 10.25-inch center touchscreen, center console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, with 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 included, though switching between the GLC’s radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in base trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, ideal for outdoor activities. The Harman Kardon audio system provided clear, rich sound, though the voice recognition system was hit-and-miss.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC came with standard safety features like 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. However, the parking and proximity sensors were overly sensitive, causing distractions.

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 Forester also featured 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 the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.