2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. This trim level aimed to give the Ascent a sporty appearance that it previously lacked. The interior of the Onyx Edition came with gray two-tone StarTex synthetic leather upholstery, which was water-repellant but had a tendency to trap sweat, making it less comfortable on hot days. The Ascent's interior also featured metallic trim on the dashboard and door panels, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover, with changes that were not immediately noticeable. The GLE 450e model tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added to its visual appeal. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury, with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim. The GLE offered a wide range of interior color choices and trims, making it one of the highest quality and most robust-looking cabins in its segment.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It came standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg combined, though it averaged 20.5 mpg during testing. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent also had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and came with Subaru's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as a twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLE 63 S, which produced 603 horsepower. The GLE 450e model tested combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the GLE 450e to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e also featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and an estimated electric-only driving range of 40 miles. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could seat up to eight people, though the third-row seats were best suited for children. The Ascent Onyx Edition featured water-resistant seat material, triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and captain's chairs were available. The Ascent provided 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 86.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered seating for five, with ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, and outward visibility was excellent. The GLE provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which compared favorably with rivals like the BMW X5. The GLE also offered an optional third-row seat, though it was best suited for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Additional options included ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and a Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a CD player. The Premium trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The system's voice recognition technology needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. The Touring trim level offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a pair of 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, as was the "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The GLE also offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation. The system was feature-rich and had a learning curve, but it was generally easy to operate.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and five-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Ascent came standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance technology, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering technology, and collision avoidance aids. However, the system's performance could be affected by direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights, automatic high-beam assist, and available blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.