2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a facelift, presenting a more aggressive appearance with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper featuring dark gray vertical cladding. This design gave the impression of large air intakes at each corner. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model further enhanced its bold look. While these changes might have been polarizing, opting for a dark paint color could help tone down the design's excesses. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the audacious cladding, making it a more appealing choice for some. The Onyx Edition became more accessible in 2023, available with the base powertrain at a starting price of $33,495, offering a $5,100 savings compared to the turbocharged version.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle aesthetic changes, with sharper headlights and taillights, black fender flares over the wheel arches, and chrome inserts in the grille. The optional AMG Line package added a sporty touch to the exterior, and while 19-inch wheels were standard, buyers could opt for 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available only in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sleek design with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though it lacked the futuristic vibe of the newer all-electric EQ models. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, but when paired with Bahia Brown seating, it created a dated look reminiscent of a 1970s wood-paneled rec room.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design, which helped lower the vehicle's center of gravity and provided a distinctive grumble and vibration. The standard engine produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. While the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) made good use of this power at lower speeds, the Outback struggled with passing and climbing. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 28 mpg, but real-world testing returned 25.6 mpg. The Outback XT models, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, offered 260 hp at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 4,800 rpm, providing a more responsive driving experience. The XT models were less fuel-efficient, with most rated at 25 mpg combined, and the Wilderness trim at 23 mpg due to its higher stance and all-terrain tires. All Outback models came with an Active Torque Split AWD system and an X-Mode traction system for off-road capabilities.

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 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. The new 450e plug-in hybrid, however, was the standout, combining a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with the potential for 55 miles after charging. The GLE 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger, capable of charging to 100% in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for road trips.

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 with a manually-adjustable thigh support bolster, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The rear outboard seats were also heated, and the steering wheel was heated. The Outback provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, with height-adjustable front seats and a tall, supportive rear seat cushion.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, offering heated front seats with ventilation and a massage function, heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The cabin remained quiet on highways, and the Burmester stereo system provided an excellent audio experience. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space measured 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the sun visors did not extend, which was a notable omission in a luxury SUV.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and optional navigation and Harman Kardon audio systems. The voice recognition system was limited, and the digital rearview mirror and 180-degree front-view camera were useful features. However, a surround-view camera was not available.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The system included a touchpad on the center console, voice control, and augmented reality navigation. The off-road page in the MBUX system provided information like altitude, latitude, and tire temperature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but connectivity issues were noted. The GLE also offered numerous USB-C ports for charging.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, earning top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available with an option package. The Outback Limited and Touring offered a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection.

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