2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. The headlights and taillights were sharper, and black fender flares adorned the wheel arches. The grille featured chrome inserts, adding a touch of elegance. The optional AMG Line package enhanced the sportiness of the exterior, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels. The GLE coupe, available only in the sporty Mercedes-AMG guise, offered a sleek design but with reduced interior space. Inside, the cabin maintained the classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. The open-pore walnut trim was visually appealing, though the Bahia Brown seating surfaces in the test model gave it a retro look. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

The 2024 Subaru Outback, particularly in the Wilderness trim, featured a new front fascia and LED fog lights, while the rest of the lineup retained the 2023 facelift design. The dark gray cladding contrasted with the Autumn Green Metallic color, described as a "green-tinged dark khaki," which was surprisingly appealing. The Outback trims varied in black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome. Wheel sizes and designs differed by trim, with standard black 17-inch alloy wheels and the Wilderness trim featuring a matte black version. The interior of the top-trim test car was impressive, with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery offering a luxurious feel. The Outback Limited featured standard leather seating, while the Onyx Edition and Wilderness had StarTex synthetic leather, and the Base and Premium trims came with cloth seats.

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, all paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle was the new 450e, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. 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 on all-electric power, with the test model showing 55 miles after charging. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with options for Hybrid and Battery Hold modes. The switch to the gas engine was seamless, though the Sport mode did little to enhance driving dynamics. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with a 2.5-liter flat-four producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque as the default. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission were standard. The test car, a Touring XT, had the more powerful engine, which managed the vehicle's weight well. The CVT mimicked eight distinct gears, and the brake pedal felt responsive. The steering was adequate, with the Outback offering a comfortable ride. The base Outback had 8.7 inches of ground clearance, with the Wilderness trim increasing it to 9.2 inches, along with all-terrain tires and an advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e compensated for its lack of driving dynamics with luxurious interior features. Standard heated front seats were enhanced with ventilation and a massage function in the test model. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort. The Burmester stereo system provided a relaxing ride, though the non-extending sun visors were a minor drawback. The GLE-Class could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more headroom up front compared to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and competitive rear-seat legroom. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat starting with the Premium trim. Heated rear seats and a powered front passenger’s seat were available from the Limited trim. Ventilated front seats were exclusive to the Touring trim, while a heated steering wheel was standard from the Onyx Edition. The hands-free power liftgate was optional on the Premium trim and standard on higher trims, with raised roof rails and retractable cross bars as standard.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The menu structure was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system was a highlight, overlaying numerical addresses and turn arrows on a video feed. The MBUX system included an off-road page with detailed information, and a transparent hood feature. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided up to 100W of power.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, with the base trim retaining dual 7-inch screens. The Subaru Starlink multimedia platform offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity from the Premium trim. Climate controls were managed through the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was standard on most trims. The base model had a four-speaker system, while the Premium trim had six speakers.

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

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Onyx Edition. The Touring trim featured a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor. Reverse automatic braking was standard from the Onyx trim, and a backup camera and high-beam assist were standard across all trims.