2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a mixed bag in terms of aesthetics. While it had an aggressive front with a sloping hood, the design seemed to lose its edge past the A-pillar, making it resemble its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add flair, but the overall look didn't quite match the elegance of its sedan and coupe siblings. The AMG trim added a sporty touch, yet it struggled to compete visually with rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story, offering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The redesigned GLE Coupe was more cohesive, with a focus on comfort and opulence, though some controls felt flimsy.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality over form. The Wilderness trim, with its rugged cladding and matte-black hood decal, gave it a distinctive, albeit polarizing, appearance. Inside, the Forester emphasized practicality with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats. The cabin was straightforward, combining hard plastics and soft surfaces to create a durable environment. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Despite its utilitarian focus, the Forester's interior was well-constructed, offering a sense of quality and purpose.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powerful engines and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S delivered even more power, with 483 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's hybrid system provided additional torque and improved efficiency, though fuel economy remained average. The air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, offered exceptional ride quality and handling, making the GLE feel agile despite its size.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, on the other hand, continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked the outright acceleration of the GLE, the Forester's CVT and all-wheel drive system provided a smooth driving experience. The Wilderness model featured a CVT design that increased initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 25.9 mpg during testing. The dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension improved off-road capabilities, making the Forester Wilderness a compelling choice for adventure seekers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and cargo space was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, though some controls required familiarization.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in practicality, with easy entry and exit thanks to its tall seating position. The StarTex upholstery and all-weather mats made it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its adventure-ready appeal. Cargo space was competitive, with 28.9 cubic feet available without the panoramic sunroof and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture controls and a natural voice assistant. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for racing enthusiasts, while the Seat Kinetics system adjusted seating positions for comfort. The ambient lighting and head-up display added to the high-tech feel, though the sheer number of features could be overwhelming.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a solid infotainment system, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen standard on base models and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot were available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon audio. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

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. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems added extra layers of protection.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear automatic braking system. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance.