2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GL-Class instead found its niche among practical yet affluent buyers, offering a luxurious, family-friendly alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS name was adopted midway through the second generation. Despite its large size, the 2021 GLS appeared more streamlined than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and clever design tricks. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 encompassed remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. Additional amenities included wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Burmester premium sound system. Various option packages allowed for further customization, adding features like ventilated front seats, heated armrests, and rear-seat controls. The GLS 580 introduced V8 power and additional luxuries, while the AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive styling and performance-inspired interior elements.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, redesigned for the 2019 model year, retained a familiar look, with the most notable change being the distinctive cross-shaped taillights. Subaru's decision to maintain the boxy, upright shape appealed to SUV shoppers seeking practicality. The Base trim level featured 17-inch steel wheels, while the Forester Sport added orange striping, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. The Forester shared its platform with other Subaru models, ensuring a rugged yet familiar driving experience.

Inside, the Forester's no-nonsense interior featured durable materials designed to withstand daily wear and tear. The Sport trim added orange accents, while higher trims offered leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Forester's interior was practical, with ample headroom and legroom, and a generous cargo space of 35.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up, expanding to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. While it lacked some advanced features like wireless charging, the Forester's straightforward design and user-friendly controls made it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. All engines included Mercedes' EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an extra 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 174 mph, remarkable for an SUV weighing over 5,400 pounds. Its adaptive air suspension system allowed for adjustable ground clearance, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, controlled via a steering-wheel-mounted dial. Despite its size, the GLS offered a composed ride, thanks to E-Active Body Control, and handled like a smaller car, making it easy to maneuver in urban settings.

The 2021 Subaru Forester came with a single powertrain option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine's boxer configuration provided a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. Subaru quoted a 1,500-pound towing capacity, with Trailer Stability Assist as standard. While the engine offered adequate power for most situations, it lacked the thrust needed for confident highway merging and overtaking, and wind noise was noticeable at higher speeds.

The Forester's suspension tuning prioritized comfort, resulting in a softly sprung ride that absorbed bumps well but exhibited significant body roll in corners and bounce on uneven pavement. Standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode, which adjusted vehicle parameters for different surfaces, enhanced the Forester's off-road capability. Sport models featured Dual X-Mode with "Snow/Dirt" and "Snow/Mud" modes. Higher trims included hill-descent control and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making the Forester more capable off-road than many competitors, though serious off-roaders might prefer alternatives like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk or Ford Bronco Sport.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The front-row seats featured door-mounted controls, while the third row, though less spacious, could comfortably accommodate full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality.

The 2021 Subaru Forester, with its five-seat configuration, offered above-average headroom and legroom in both rows, thanks to its tall, flat roofline. This design also provided excellent outward visibility and a roomy feel. The Forester's cargo space measured 35.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, surpassing some competitors. 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 it lacked wireless charging and a standard power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a large touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required. The voice-control system responded to "Hey Mercedes" and could understand complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. This setup allowed for customization and easy access to various functions, though it required some learning.

The 2021 Subaru Forester's standard Starlink infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and front-row USB ports. Higher trims added an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and rear USB ports. The system was user-friendly, with well-designed graphics and physical shortcut buttons, though the screen was slow to boot up. Additional screens displayed secondary information, but the setup felt overly complex.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Subaru Forester excelled in safety, earning the highest "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite, with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lead-vehicle start alert. The Forester also offered a driver-monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. While EyeSight's adaptive cruise control and lane-centering functions were adequate, the latter's steering inputs felt jerky.