2021 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its promise of aggressive styling with an assertive nose and sloping hood, often fell short in the eyes of many. Its exterior design seemed to lose momentum past the A-pillar, making it hard to distinguish from its predecessors. While the flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, the GLE struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors like the BMW X5 or the Volvo XC90. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a masterpiece of quality and design, with a bold red and black color scheme that was both striking and luxurious. The interior featured a mix of materials such as wood, metal, leather, and suede, all of which were delightful to touch and operate, despite some flimsy controls. The GLE exuded a sense of luxury and pampering, though it required significant options to truly feel opulent.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite its redesign in 2019, maintained a styling that appeared older due to its carryover design from previous generations. Its boxy, upright shape was exactly what many SUV shoppers desired, offering a clean and unpretentious look. The Forester Sport models added a touch of flair with orange striping and black alloy wheels, which made a noticeable difference in its appearance. The Forester's interior was practical and durable, designed to withstand years of use. It offered a no-nonsense mix of materials, with the Sport trim adding a splash of orange for a bit of character. While the Forester's interior might not have been as luxurious as the GLE's, it was functional and well-suited for its intended purpose.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV with a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 offered a 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 53 took performance up a notch with 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, and the AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, allowing the SUV to perform like a smaller vehicle. Despite its hybrid setup, the GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, was equipped with a single powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. While the engine provided adequate power for most situations, it lacked the thrust needed for confident highway merging and overtaking. The Forester's suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a soft ride with noticeable body roll in corners and bounce on uneven surfaces. However, the Forester's standard AWD system, along with X-Mode and Dual X-Mode on Sport models, offered enhanced traction and control on various surfaces. With a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds, the Forester was less capable in this regard compared to the GLE.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with seating for up to seven when equipped with the optional third row. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five seats and had reduced cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and intuitive interface, though it required some setup before driving.

The 2021 Subaru Forester provided ample headroom and legroom for five passengers, thanks to its tall roofline. It offered excellent outward visibility and a roomy feel, though sunlight could quickly raise cabin temperatures. The Forester's cargo space was competitive, with 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with them folded. While it lacked a sliding second-row bench, a power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Forester's interior featured practical storage solutions, though some controls and features, like the phone-storage cubby and power-adjustable driver's seat, were less convenient.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen featuring Interior Assistant, which responded to hand gestures. The system included a Track Pace app for AMG models, seat kinetics, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's infotainment system was highly customizable, with features like ambient lighting, navigation with augmented reality, and semi-automated driving functions. The GLE offered a wealth of electronic features, though it could be overwhelming for some users.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen and additional features like navigation. The system was user-friendly, with physical controls for easy operation, though the screen was slow to boot up. The Forester also featured secondary displays for additional information, though the setup could be overly complex.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. It offered a range of optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree cameras. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side features provided additional protection in the event of a crash.

The 2021 Subaru Forester also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top ratings in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a five-star overall rating. The Forester came standard with EyeSight, a suite of driver-assist features, and offered optional features like blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. The Forester's DriverFocus system monitored for driver distraction, adding an extra layer of safety.