2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Subaru Outback

For 2023, Subaru gave the Outback a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. This design made it appear as though the Outback had large air intakes at each corner. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights nestled into oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model gave the 2023 Outback a more aggressive appearance. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the more audacious cladding, making it a more appealing choice for those who preferred a bolder look.

The Onyx Edition was one of six trim designations for the Outback and, for 2023, became available with the base powertrain in addition to the turbocharged powertrain. This change made the Onyx Edition more accessible, with a new starting price of $33,495 for the non-turbo powertrain, a $5,100 savings compared to the turbocharged Onyx Edition XT. Outbacks equipped with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine came in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trim, with prices ranging from $28,395 to $39,845, plus a destination charge of $1,225. The turbocharged XT models, available in Wilderness, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, ranged from $38,445 to $42,295, plus the destination charge. All Outback models featured standard all-wheel drive (AWD).

Mercedes-Benz gave the 2024 GLE-Class an exterior makeover, though the changes were subtle. The Mercedes star logos filling out the front grille were a clever new detail, and changes to the headlights and taillights were noticeable when compared to the outgoing version. LED headlights were standard, with multi-beam LED headlights as an option. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and riding on sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, scored a seven out of 10 for its exterior design, though the color and wheels tempted a higher score.

The GLE 450e's interior exuded class and luxury with its combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim. These added $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the sticker price, but were considered money well spent. Mercedes offered 10 interior color choices and five trims, including brushed aluminum, black piano lacquer, gray oak, and brown linden wood. The GLE's cabin was one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2023 Subaru Outback used horizontally opposed engines, known as boxer types, which helped reduce the vehicle's center of gravity for better handling. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. However, the 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially when passing or climbing. Subaru claimed a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, but the engine's performance made this a questionable endeavor. The EPA estimated 28 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing returned 25.6 mpg.

For those seeking better performance, the Outback XT models featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, producing 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 4,800 rpm. These models were less fuel-efficient, with most rated at 25 mpg combined, and the Wilderness trim at 23 mpg combined. The upgrade to the turbocharged engine cost between $2,450 and $5,100 more than the naturally aspirated Outback. All engines paired with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic transmission, and every Outback included an Active Torque Split AWD system.

The Outback's suspension tuning provided a firm ride at lower speeds and excellent ride quality at higher speeds. The vehicle handled reasonably well, though it was not a sports wagon. The Outback's powertrain and fuel economy were its main drawbacks, making the Outback XT a more appealing choice for those seeking better performance.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a range of powertrains, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with AMG-badged models AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. 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 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, developed a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, with the electric mode capable of highway speeds up to 87 mph. The transition from gas to electric power was almost undetectable, and the transmission was seamless. The regenerative brakes occasionally felt numb, but overall performance exceeded expectations. The GLE 450e's cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed bumps and ruts with ease. The GLE's sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size, and the AMG models offered even quicker reflexes.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outboard seats were also heated, and the interior was wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The Outback provided ample legroom and comfort for long trips, though wind noise was an issue.

The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The flat, textured plastic door sills served as steps to reach the roof rack, which was robust and ready for accessories. The Outback could use more practical storage space, but the dashboard shelf helped.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered plenty of space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, and outward visibility was excellent. The GLE provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding 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.

The GLE 450e came with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, MX-Tex faux leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive trim added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, online music streaming, and augmented reality navigation. The Pinnacle trim added massaging front seats, rapid heating front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled front cupholders, LED intelligent lighting, star pattern logo projectors, and an Air Balance cabin-air fragrance and purification system. Additional options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, soft-close doors, and heated rear seats.

Every 2023 Subaru Outback except the Base trim featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Physical controls included a volume knob, a tuning knob, and buttons for climate control and window defrosters. The base Outback's 7-inch touchscreen included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity, navigation, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Starlink system was improved for 2023 but still had confusing graphics and poor voice recognition.

The Outback's technology included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera. However, a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens. The system could be controlled via touch commands, 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 and convenience.

The GLE's technology included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, online music streaming, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, rapid heating front seats, a head-up display, heated and cooled front cupholders, LED intelligent lighting, star pattern logo projectors, and an Air Balance cabin-air fragrance and purification system.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Outback Limited and Touring offered a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class came with standard safety features like 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 during everyday driving.