2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and the headlights and taillights saw minor changes. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices for both exterior and interior customization, making the GLE one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a functional and straightforward design, prioritizing substance over style. The Forester Touring trim, with its Cascade Green Silica paint, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim. The interior of the Forester Touring offered Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. The Forester's design emphasized practicality, with excellent outward visibility, easy entry and exit, and a user-friendly control layout. While the Forester's appearance was busy, it provided a comfortable and functional cabin, making it a reliable choice for those who value simplicity and utility.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various preferences, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, offered impressive acceleration, taking just 5.4 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. The GLE 450e's electric mode provided an estimated 40 miles of EV range and could operate at highway speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections effortlessly, making the GLE 450e a refined and capable performer.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport driving mode. Most Foresters, except the Base trim, included an X-Mode off-road traction management system with various driving modes. The Forester Wilderness trim offered enhanced off-roading capabilities. During testing, the Forester Touring handled adverse weather conditions with ease, providing confidence in flooded roadways and muddy trails. The Forester's driving dynamics were excellent, with responsive steering, effective brakes, and well-tuned suspension. However, the 2.5-liter engine felt merely adequate, and the Forester's fuel economy fell short of its EPA rating, returning 25.9 mpg on the testing route.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5 but slightly less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added premium features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly interior. The Forester Premium trim included a panoramic glass sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. Higher trims featured StarTex artificial leather or genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. The Forester's excellent outward visibility, easy entry and exit, and well-sealed doors contributed to its practicality. The cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the back seat (28.9 cubic feet in the Base trim) and 69.1 cubic feet with the back seat folded down (74.2 cubic feet in the Base trim). The Forester's cargo capacity was average for the compact SUV segment.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 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 were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, leading to accidental volume changes.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto in the Base trim. The Premium trim added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen display was available, along with a navigation system and Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Forester's older Subaru Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls, volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto the preferred choice for navigation and other functions.

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, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, with updated software and cameras for improved performance. Models with blind-spot monitoring included Automatic Emergency Steering, which assisted with avoiding in-lane obstacles. The Forester Wilderness and Touring trims added Rear Automatic Braking (RAB), though the system could be overly sensitive. The Touring trim also had a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, though it received lower ratings in new side-impact and small-overlap frontal-impact tests.