2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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, 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 a high-quality and robust-looking SUV.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, while looking similar to its 2023 predecessor, featured new sheet metal, a new chassis, and new colors like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. The Wilderness trim introduced an exclusive Geyser Blue paint job. The Crosstrek maintained its wheelbase and overall length, with a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space. The base trim came with 17-inch alloy wheels and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The Wilderness trim added unique design elements, increased ground clearance, and a ladder-style roof rack. Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness featured StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and all-weather floor mats, enhancing its rugged appeal.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options 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 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for highway speeds up to 87 mph, and the transition between gas and electric power was seamless. The suspension provided a smooth ride, even on rough roads, and the steering was sophisticated and maneuverable.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, available on the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. The base engine, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, produced 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Crosstrek's performance was not particularly quick, but the CVT was refined, with simulated shift points and minimal droning. The Wilderness trim had a shorter final-drive ratio, improving acceleration and towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, and the stiffer structure reduced body roll. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system, standard on all trims, enhanced off-road capability. Fuel economy for the 2.0-liter engine was 27 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined, while the 2.5-liter engine achieved 26 city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin. 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 optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Standard comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were good, though tall passengers might prefer the front seats. The Crosstrek provided 19.9 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to 54.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down. The interior materials were robust and easy to clean, with features like a protective cargo tray and cupholders designed to fit large water bottles. The Wilderness trim added Nalgene cupholders in the trunk and all-weather floor mats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system could be controlled via touch, a control pad, 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. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek boasted an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all trims except the Base. The display was crisp and bright, with physical controls for essential functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, and a wireless charging pad was available. The infotainment system had some glare issues and required navigating through multiple menus for certain features. In states with Right to Repair laws, Subaru removed some features rather than modifying the system.

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.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had a strong safety record, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation since 2013 and the NHTSA giving it five stars overall for the 2023 model. The 2024 model was expected to maintain these ratings. Subaru's EyeSight safety system, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 model featured a wider-angle lens for EyeSight and added automatic emergency steering on cars with blind-spot monitoring.