2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

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 affluent families seeking a luxurious, spacious 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 covering 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 luxury features, while the AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive styling and performance enhancements.

The 2022 Subaru Forester, available in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, started at $25,195 and topped out at $35,295 for the Touring model. The Forester Wilderness, priced at $33,945, featured a white exterior, dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and an option package that included a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate. The Wilderness model also sported a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance.

Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality with a straightforward design and durable materials. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system, standard on higher trims, offered physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. The Wilderness model retained the Forester's practicality, with features like water-resistant upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its rugged exterior, the Forester provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with ample cargo space and practical storage solutions.

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, 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 a 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 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Its adaptive air suspension system adjusted ground clearance between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing both cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63 also featured double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, providing precise handling. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed for customized driving experiences. The E-Active Body Control option ensured a smooth ride, even on rough roads, making the GLS maneuverable in various environments.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. This CVT also doubled the Wilderness’s towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving, with real-world testing averaging 25.9 mpg.

The Forester's engine provided adequate performance at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT, with eight programmed ratios, offered smooth operation, and the SI-Drive system in the Wilderness model enhanced responsiveness. Subaru’s dual-function X-Mode system, standard on most Foresters, allowed drivers to select settings based on surface conditions, improving speed management during hill descents. The Wilderness model's re-tuned suspension, longer springs, and shocks increased ground clearance to 9.2 inches, improving approach, breakover, and departure angles. Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and a standard aluminum front skid plate further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

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 seats featured door-mounted controls, while the third row, though less spacious, accommodated 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 driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness model featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its appeal to adventurers. The Forester provided comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connection. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like “Find me a gas station” or “find me a seafood restaurant.” The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel, offering various display options.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness model included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The test vehicle's navigation system and Harman Kardon audio system provided clear sound and helpful navigation, though a breadcrumb function would have been useful. The PIN Code Access feature allowed for keyless entry, ideal for outdoor activities.

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. Additional 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 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 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology offering twice the field of vision. The system included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Standard and available safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” rating.