Mercedes-Benz GLS vs Subaru Ascent

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class offered a sophisticated elegance, with its sleek, modern design that exuded both luxury and longevity. Our GLS 450 test model featured striking 22-inch AMG wheels, a four-louver grille design, polished metal accents, and a lustrous Twilight Blue paint job. This combination radiated a quiet charisma. Inside, the GLS 450 flaunted a Bahia Brown over Black interior complemented by natural-grain Grey Oak, polished aluminum details, and detailed stitching that contributed to its premium atmosphere.

In contrast, Subaru’s 2024 Ascent struggled with its aesthetics. The latest design revisions added unsightly tusks and a garish spear running across the grille into the headlights, diminishing its visual appeal. However, the Ascent's interior was impressively functional, especially in the Touring trim. The Touring model included touches like premium Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and numerous storage solutions, although it lacked the sophistication of a luxury interior. Unfortunately, while functional, Subaru’s attempt at high-end design came across as modular and somewhat simplistic.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 450 model impressed with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology delivering 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse accelerated to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. Aided by a nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel drive, this SUV offered smooth, swift, and seamless performance. Noteworthy was its 7,700-pound towing capacity and combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg, achieving 19.9 mpg during mixed driving conditions on our test route. The GLS drove with grace and agility, feeling both quiet and exceptionally responsive. Even its brakes performed commendably under duress while allowing for smooth stops in urban environments.

In comparison, the 2024 Subaru Ascent housed a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) paired with standard all-wheel drive provided consistent traction, especially noticeable in off-road scenarios. The Ascent offered robust performance in everyday driving but struggled on twisty roads due to its heavy curb weight and softer suspension. Notably, the Ascent could tow up to 5,000 pounds, contributing to its versatility. However, its EPA fuel economy was lower than expected, with unofficial test ratings showing just 16.7 mpg in the city and 18.6 mpg overall, reaching a practical range with its 19.3-gallon tank.

In terms of interior comfort, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class provided supple leather seats with wide-ranging adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The front seats offered a commanding view while maintaining excellent visibility. However, entry and exit were sometimes hindered by the sporty trim of the AMG Line package. The rear captain’s chairs were comfortable but required a wait for powered adjustments, and third-row access was cumbersome. The third-row seat was ideal for children, given its less adult-friendly design. Cargo-wise, the GLS 450 offered 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, and 84.7 cubic feet in total cargo space, adequate for various hauling needs.

The Subaru Ascent emphasized functionality, with features like large cupholders, backpack pegs, and cargo hooks making it user-friendly. The front seats, although comfortable and premium-feeling in Nappa leather, missed out on a height adjuster for the front passenger seat. Its back doors opened nearly to a 90-degree angle, aiding cargo and child seat loading. Second-row captain’s chairs and third-row seating provided reasonable comfort, though adults found both a bit restrictive. Cargo space in the Ascent measured 17.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet with the seats down and topping out at 75.6 cubic feet with all rows folded, making it slightly less capacious than the GLS.

Mercedes equipped the GLS-Class with the advanced MBUX system, featuring dual 12.3-inch displays for instrumentation and infotainment. This setup looked integrated and sleek, offering themes and modes to customize its interface. Despite some issues with touch-sensitive controls causing accidental adjustments, the MBUX was largely intuitive and user-friendly. The system boasted excellent navigation with augmented reality and an impressive Burmester surround-sound audio system.

The Subaru Ascent utilized the Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen. This setup included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a robust list of additional services and features as you moved up in trims. However, the display sometimes washed out in direct sunlight, and its native voice recognition was subpar. Subaru's inclusion of physical buttons and knobs for essential functions was a welcomed touch. Upper trims of the Ascent came with enhancements like a surround-view camera and a driver-focused communication system.

Safety features abounded in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, whose advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were customizable via the MBUX interface. These systems performed smoothly and transparently, enhancing the driving experience without irritation. Adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and collision warning systems proved reliable and effective during various challenging driving conditions.

In the 2024 Subaru Ascent, safety was a priority, highlighted by standard EyeSight technologies including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping features. The Ascent's strong safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS reflected its robust safety design. However, its lane-centering assist occasionally exhibited inconsistency and resistance, leading to driver frustration during testing on winding roads.