2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat unremarkable exterior, offered a practical and functional design. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was reminiscent of many Foresters from the past, contributing to its classic, utilitarian appearance. The Touring trim, which was the focus of our evaluation, featured 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, enhancing its overall look. The Forester's design was characterized by its two-box shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, though it wasn't particularly striking. Inside, the Forester Touring boasted Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a traditional Subaru layout with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While hard plastics were prevalent, they made the cabin easy to clean. The interior's busy appearance was due to a mix of materials and a reliance on traditional buttons and knobs, which made it user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet effective aesthetic changes. The sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares and chrome grille inserts, added a touch of sophistication. The optional AMG Line package on our test vehicle enhanced its sporty appeal. Inside, the GLE's cabin exuded luxury with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though the Bahia Brown seating paired with open-pore walnut trim gave it a retro feel. The GLE coupe, available in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sleeker design but compromised interior space. Overall, the GLE's design was more refined and luxurious compared to the Forester's utilitarian approach.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight programmed ratios for a more traditional automatic feel, and the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. Most Foresters, except the Base trim, included an X-Mode off-road traction management system with various driving modes. The Forester Wilderness trim provided additional off-roading capabilities. During testing, the Forester Touring handled challenging weather conditions with ease, showcasing its confidence-inspiring performance. While the engine was adequate, it was louder than expected, and the Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, offering a comfortable yet engaging ride. However, the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, returning 25.9 mpg compared to the EPA rating of 29 mpg.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. The 450e's battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with a seamless transition to the gas engine when needed. While the GLE's Sport mode didn't significantly enhance driving dynamics, it provided a comfortable and smooth ride. The 450e's charging capabilities were notable, with an 11-kW onboard charger and the ability to accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and user-friendly design. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims added more luxurious touches, such as leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's standout feature was its excellent outward visibility, thanks to tall glass and thin windshield pillars. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to solar heating issues, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller passengers. Interior storage was abundant, and the cargo area offered 26.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. The cabin featured customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors, providing a serene driving experience. The GLE's cargo capacity was impressive, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the sun visors' lack of extension was a minor inconvenience. The GLE's towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology added to its practicality.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but it offered a user-friendly experience. The Base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system was available. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system was preferred for its physical controls, though the voice-recognition system was unreliable. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were recommended for navigation.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than some other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control. The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, providing helpful overlays on the screen. The GLE also included an off-road page with detailed information, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had connectivity issues.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with improved software and cameras for enhanced performance. Models with blind-spot monitoring included Automatic Emergency Steering, and higher trims offered Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). The Forester's safety systems generally performed well, though the RAB system occasionally engaged unnecessarily. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.