2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated stance, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a 0.8-inch increase over other Outbacks. This model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design elements included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal. The new roof rack system supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint added to its rugged appeal.

Inside, the Outback Wilderness showcased a dark gray and black cabin with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, heated seats, and a black headliner. Anodized Copper stitching, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, brushed aluminum pedals, and all-weather floor mats completed the look. The rear seatbacks and cargo tray were waterproof, enhancing the vehicle's practicality. Priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, the Outback Wilderness offered a blend of ruggedness and style, appealing to those seeking adventure.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover, with changes that were hard to spot at first glance. The front grille featured Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights were slightly updated. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights added to its appeal. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly striking. Mercedes offered a choice of seven wheel designs and ten exterior colors, allowing for customization.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, natural grain brown walnut trim, and a host of comfort features. The cabin was spacious and airy, with excellent outward visibility. The GLE offered ten interior color choices and five trim options, including brushed aluminum and various wood finishes. The combination of high-quality materials and thoughtful design made the GLE's interior one of the best in its segment.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided adequate power for the 3,896-pound SUV, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route.

The Outback Wilderness featured all-wheel drive, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and 17-inch Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires. Its redesigned bumpers improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, making it the most capable Outback ever. The dual-function X-Mode traction system, hill descent control, and revised final-drive ratios allowed the Wilderness to tackle challenging terrain with ease. On pavement, the Outback felt quick but was limited by its tires, while off-road, it excelled in climbing and descending steep hills and navigating narrow trails.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with AMG-badged models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S featured a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower, delivering sports car-like performance. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, produced a combined 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

The GLE 450e's nine-speed automatic transmission provided seamless gear changes, and the transition between gas and electric power was almost undetectable. The estimated electric-only driving range was around 40 miles, with the ability to operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The GLE's suspension absorbed bumps and ruts effortlessly, and its sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e offered a balanced blend of performance, handling, and fuel economy, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather that prevented water and sweat from soaking into the seats. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment and the front passenger seat 8-way power adjustment. The rear seat provided ample 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 rear seat folded flat, with waterproof seatbacks and a cargo tray.

The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 220-pound dynamic load rating and a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping. The interior was practical and well-designed, though the lack of ventilated seats was a drawback in hot weather.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious and comfortable cabin with seating for five. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery and large windows created a light and airy feel. The rear seat featured a 40/20/40 split-folding design, providing 33 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. The GLE's optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, suitable only for young children.

Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, and a power liftgate. The GLE 450e test vehicle also included options like ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled front cupholders, and a panoramic sunroof. The combination of high-quality materials and thoughtful design made the GLE's interior one of the best in its segment.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the center of the dashboard. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control, most functions required the use of the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less responsive than desired, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for voice commands. The Outback Wilderness also included PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

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, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system.

The head-up display and augmented reality navigation provided clear and convenient directions. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, occasionally causing unintended volume changes. Overall, the GLE's infotainment system was feature-rich and user-friendly, though it required some time to master.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came equipped with the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness also included steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology proved effective and unobtrusive during testing. The 2021 Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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 and effective during everyday driving, enhancing the GLE's safety credentials.