2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Subaru Outback

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 customers, offering a luxurious, family-friendly alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS name was adopted midway through the second generation. Despite its size, the 2021 GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and lines. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen covering nearly two-thirds of the dash, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, with its increased 9.5 inches of ground clearance, pushed the boundaries of the traditional station wagon, edging closer to a Jeep-like appearance. It featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and improved approach and departure angles due to redesigned bumpers. Unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and a matte black hood decal. The interior was a mix of dark gray and black, with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and Anodized Copper accents. The Wilderness trim added a rugged personality to the Outback, making it stand out from standard versions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 had 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 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. All engines included the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed. The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes provided a smooth, composed ride, even on rough roads.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), offered adequate power for the 3,896-pound SUV, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Wilderness trim featured a taller stance, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires for off-road capability. It also had improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, a dual-function X-Mode traction system, and hill descent control. While the CVT's performance was less engaging, the Wilderness excelled off-road, handling steep hills and rough terrain with ease.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided 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 third row, while less spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS offered 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 rows down. The driver and front passenger enjoyed numerous storage compartments, including a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad and a center console with butterfly doors.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way and 8-way power adjustments for the driver and passenger, respectively, with effective dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seat provided generous space for two adults or three children, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seat folded flat. The Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a massive touch screen and a trackpad controller. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required. The MBUX system's voice control responded to commands like "Find me a gas station," and the digital dash extended to a fully-digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. This setup allowed for various display configurations, enhancing the vehicle's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness had an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control. The voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS included a range of standard driver-assistance features, such as 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. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also came with a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. It also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness lacked the DriverFocus distraction mitigation technology available in higher trims. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.