2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares over the wheel arches, added a touch of modernity. The grille featured chrome inserts, and the optional AMG Line package enhanced its sporty appeal. Standard 19-inch wheels could be upgraded to 21-inch for a bolder look. Inside, the cabin maintained the classic Mercedes-Benz luxury with leather and soft-touch surfaces, though the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating in our tester was less than ideal. Opting for lighter leather could remedy this design choice.

In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., embracing crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-inspired fascias. The Crimson Red Pearl paint on our test car complemented its black leather interior, though earthy shades suited it best. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to adventurous buyers. The Outback's design was practical, with a lower roof height for easy loading and a flat-four engine contributing to a low center of gravity, enhancing its agility.

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, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about half a second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its 23.3-kWh battery. The 450e could travel up to 55 miles on all-electric power, and its transition from electric to gas was seamless. However, its driving dynamics were less sporty compared to the V8, with light steering and body roll.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque in XT trims. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration, making it a recommended choice for those who could afford the upgrade. The Outback excelled off-road with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode, while the Wilderness model offered even more capability with 9.5 inches of clearance and additional off-road settings.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritized interior luxury with standard heated front seats, optional ventilation and massage functions, and heated and cooled cup holders. Customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort, while the Burmester stereo system provided excellent audio quality. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist for easier trailer handling. 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 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and exit, a lower roof height for loading, and a low center of gravity for agility. It provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded. The Outback's total passenger volume of 109 cubic feet surpassed its crossover competitors, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers could choose between different trims, each offering unique driving experiences, and the turbocharged engine increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system, though it lacked the larger touchscreen found in other Mercedes models. The menu was user-friendly, and voice commands were available. The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature, providing helpful overlays on the screen. The MBUX system included an off-road page with detailed information, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though connectivity issues were noted.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond, especially at startup. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless functionality on most trims. The Harman Kardon audio system performed well, but Starlink disturbances affected audio quality. The dashboard had a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, and the 2025 Outback Touring included a CD player and both USB-A and USB-C ports.

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, while the IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.