2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

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 GLS instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS's design softened its angles and lines, making it appear less bulky than its predecessors. Inside, the GLS 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. The GLS 580 added V8 power and additional luxuries like massaging front seats and soft-close doors. The AMG GLS 63, our test model, stood out with aggressive bodywork, a quad-outlet exhaust, and a performance-inspired interior, including a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with a leather stripe.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced the Onyx Edition trim, featuring blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition, priced at $37,995, included water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather seats and an option package with a panoramic moonroof, navigation system, and cargo cover. The blacked-out treatment gave the Ascent a sporty appearance, while the gray two-tone StarTex upholstery added a touch of sophistication.

Inside, the Ascent Onyx Edition offered triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a useful shelf running the width of the dashboard and large cupholders in the second row. Cargo capacity was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 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 a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph.

The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension system adjusted ground clearance between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing cornering and obstacle clearance. The SUV's multiple drive-mode settings, including Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for customized driving experiences. Despite its size, the GLS handled like a smaller car, thanks to E-Active Body Control, which provided a smooth ride over rough roads.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive were standard. The Ascent achieved an EPA fuel-economy rating of 22 mpg combined, with our testing averaging 20.5 mpg. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, allowing the Ascent to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance provided off-roading capability. The Ascent's responsive acceleration, excellent visibility, and absorbent suspension made it nimble and maneuverable in urban and suburban settings. However, the advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement, sometimes creating an unsettled driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row, while not as spacious, was suitable for full-size adults. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The GLS featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins, a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad, and a center console with butterfly doors. However, the center console was too small for a purse.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent accommodated up to eight people with a second-row bench seat, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition included water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. Loading the second-row seat was easy, thanks to wide rear doors that opened nearly 90 degrees.

The Ascent provided ample storage, including a useful shelf running the width of the dashboard and large cupholders in the second row. Cargo capacity was generous, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a simple trackpad. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" and "find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent's base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting with climate control pre-conditioning. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, requiring specific commands to function correctly.

Onyx Edition models used standard stereo speakers, which lacked sonic quality. Additional technology features for the Touring trim included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

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 safety 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 a following-distance indicator.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance tech, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam assist and optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.