2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Subaru Forester was available in several trims, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring, with prices starting at $25,195 and reaching $35,295 for the Touring model. A destination charge of $1,125 was additional, and Subaru offered a variety of dealer-installed accessories. All-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured a white exterior, dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945, including destination. With added options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, the price rose to $36,014. The Wilderness trim included a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding, giving it a rugged appearance. Inside, the Forester focused on functionality, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces, and an 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with physical controls.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover, with changes to the headlights and taillights, and a new grille design featuring Mercedes star logos. The GLE 450e test vehicle was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which cost an additional $1,100. The GLE offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch standard alloys, with seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors available. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury, with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim, adding $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the price. The GLE provided ten interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum and various wood options, creating a high-quality and robust cabin.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 25.9 mpg. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and included SI-Drive for a sportier response. The Wilderness trim featured a dual-function X-Mode system for off-road driving, a re-tuned suspension for improved ride and handling, and longer springs and shocks for increased ground clearance. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, including off-road courses and forest roads, despite its lack of engine power and wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines and a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, with the ability to operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, though the regenerative brakes felt slightly numb. The GLE 450e's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, and its steering made it maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e offered a sophisticated driving experience, with the AMG models providing even quicker reflexes.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. The Forester's roof rails were upgraded to accommodate a three-person roof tent. The interior offered high comfort levels, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space included armrest bins, door panel bottle holders, and dual front seatback pockets. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's cargo area was usefully shaped, with new cargo hooks and a full-size spare under the cargo floor.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five adults, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The GLE's optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e featured power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester audio system, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and a head-up display. Additional options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The Forester's PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system supported touch commands, a control pad, and steering wheel buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls could inadvertently adjust the audio volume.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved camera-based technology and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim featured DriverFocus facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with standard safety features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.