Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements that Subaru had been implementing since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained the aesthetic appeal that set it apart from other Subaru models. The 2026 version carried forward the changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction, though these updates were subtle. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful touch, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that prioritized function. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish, while chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale accent.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC, particularly the AMG GLC 53 variant, was a sleek and curvaceous vehicle that exuded luxury and sportiness. The GLC 53 stood out with its low, athletic stance, optional 21-inch AMG forged wheels, and Night Package glossy black trim. The grille with chrome-trimmed vertical slats and the rear lower bumper with a diffuser and four round tailpipes added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the GLC's interior varied depending on the trim level and options, offering a range of leather and MB-Tex simulated leather hues. The dash-spanning trim options, including wood, metal, and carbon fiber, contributed to a premium feel. The cabin boasted high-quality materials, smart textured plastics, and solid switchgear, with rotary air vents that looked and felt expensive. The GLC's interior was more premium compared to the screen-dominated cabins of competitors like the Audi Q5.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-liter engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other acted as a drive motor and assisted with regenerative braking. During a test drive, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. The Crosstrek's AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the vehicle exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered three models with different powertrains. The GLC 300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, available with rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLC 350e plug-in hybrid delivered 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 54 miles of electric-only range. The AMG GLC 53, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, produced 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in four seconds. The GLC 53 offered a thrilling driving experience, with a sensational engine sound and responsive throttle. It achieved impressive fuel economy, matching the EPA's estimate of 22 mpg combined and exceeding the highway estimate with 29.8 mpg. The GLC 53's chassis enhancements, including rear-wheel steering, provided a connected and engaging driving experience, while the ride quality was akin to a sports sedan.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid version, and it addressed previous compromises. It offered more horsepower and cargo space than earlier models, with 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, along with deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a comfortable driver's seat with adjustable thigh support and a telescoping steering wheel, accommodating even tall drivers. Rear-seat legroom was slightly reduced with a tall driver up front, but still manageable. The rear seatback didn't recline, and fitting a rear-facing child seat required adjusting the front passenger seat. The GLC featured rear air vents but no separate climate controls. Up front, a versatile bin under a sliding lid provided storage options, though accessing the wireless phone charger was challenging. The GLC's cargo capacity was average for the segment, with the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 offering more space.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system was not competitive compared to rivals like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. The software was slow and prone to lag, with too many controls relegated to touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC had a portrait-oriented touchscreen with customizable home-screen layouts. The system offered a shortcut icon for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, providing ample visual real estate. The GLC 53 test vehicle included a Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, delivering crisp vocals and clean bass. The Pinnacle trim package added navigation, entertainment apps, a head-up display, noise-insulating glass, and ambient lighting. However, the GLC's touch-sensitive controls were imprecise, and climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the moderate overlap front crash test and an Acceptable score in the side-impact test. Subaru addressed these issues by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. The NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek five out of five stars in its overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered a range of driver-assistance features, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system as standard. Lane-centering steering assist and lane-keep assist were part of the Driver Assistance package, along with additional features like steering intervention for blind-spot monitors and speed-limit display. While most systems worked well, the lane-centering assist was inconsistent, and the speed-limit-sign detection was annoying. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, but the similar 2026 GLC was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.