2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, despite its luxurious brand, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a Mercedes SUV. Its exterior design seemed to promise something bold with its aggressive front, but past the A-pillar, it lost its distinctiveness, blending into the older GLE models. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but it still fell short compared to its competitors like the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior was a different story, offering a masterpiece of quality and design. The red and black interior was both striking and opulent, surpassing even some of the high-end offerings from Porsche and Audi. The GLE's interior was a sensory delight, with a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede, although some elements like the gear selector felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, edging closer to a Jeep with its rugged design. It featured a higher ground clearance of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles, making it stand out from the standard Outback models. The unique grille, blacked-out trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal added to its distinctive look. Inside, the Outback Wilderness was practical with its dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, although it lacked ventilated seats, which could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior was functional, with heated seats and a robust roof rack capable of supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, and the GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 483 hp. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered a staggering 603 hp. The GLE's hybrid system, with a 48-volt battery, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality. Despite its power, the GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg. The GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, suitable for a midsize crossover. The Outback's fuel efficiency was rated at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The CVT transmission, while functional, lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch system. The Outback's all-wheel drive and 9.5 inches of ground clearance, along with its all-terrain tires, made it capable off-road. The Wilderness trim's suspension and traction systems, including the dual function X-Mode, enhanced its off-road prowess, allowing it to tackle challenging terrain with ease.

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 reduced cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with a single touchpad and intuitive controls, although some features required setup before driving.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered power adjustments, and the rear seat provided ample space for passengers, along with air conditioning vents and USB ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet, expanding to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback's roof rack was robust, supporting a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display 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 head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, and the ambient lighting offered 64 colors. The GLE also supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing a comprehensive suite of electronic features.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which required the use of the touchscreen for most functions. While physical knobs were available for volume and temperature, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, offering better voice assistant functionality. The Outback also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

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 optional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree cameras. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced safety by reducing hearing damage and positioning occupants during a side impact.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight ADAS, providing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback's EyeSight technology was effective, maintaining safe distances and lane centering. The 2021 Outback received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, and the 2021 model earned a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.