2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while adequate in appearance, did not quite capture the stunning aesthetics of its sedan and sports car siblings. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a rushed assignment, featured an aggressive nose and a sloping hood that promised more than it delivered past the A-pillar. Despite efforts to enhance its rear with flat taillights and a contoured design, the GLE struggled to match the pitch-perfect proportions of competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. The AMG trim attempted to add a sporty flair, but the overall effect fell short when compared to rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, showcasing a masterpiece of quality, layout, and textures. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, with features like twin arching grab handles and LED lighting adding to its opulence. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of pampering, though it required significant options to truly feel luxurious.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous look, pushing the boundaries of the traditional station wagon design. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance and aggressive all-terrain tires, the Outback Wilderness was more akin to a Jeep than a typical wagon. Its unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents contributed to its distinctive appearance. The interior, while practical, featured dark gray StarTex upholstery that was water-repellant but lacked the comfort of ventilated seats. The cabin was equipped with heated seats and a black headliner, with ample space for passengers and cargo. The Outback Wilderness's modifications injected personality into its styling, appealing to those seeking a vehicle capable of tackling challenging terrains.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile SUV, offering a range of suspension configurations and turbocharged engines. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took performance further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality. Despite its advanced technology, the GLE's fuel efficiency was average, with the AMG GLE 53 Coupe averaging 14.7 L/100 km. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with precise steering and impressive towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize SUV, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness's fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 on the highway. While the engine was strong, the CVT transmission detracted from the driving experience with its droning and simulated gear changes. The Outback Wilderness's standout features included its all-wheel drive, 23 cm ground clearance, and off-road capabilities, making it a capable vehicle for adventurous terrains.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models featuring two rows of seats and an optional third row for seven passengers. The second-row seats provided power controls for added comfort, while the Coupe body style accommodated five passengers. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe's design, however, limited rear passenger space and ease of access due to its sloping roofline and large rear tires. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered various shortcuts for convenience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with dark gray StarTex upholstery, offering water-repellant properties. The front seats were heated, with the driver's seat providing 10-way power adjustment. Rear passengers enjoyed generous head and legroom, along with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The cargo area offered 920 litres of space behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also boasted a robust roof rack, capable of supporting a 700-pound static load for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a 12-inch touchscreen display featuring Interior Assistant, allowing for gesture-based controls. The system offered various features, including seat massage settings, navigation with augmented reality, and a natural voice assistant. The GLE's technology was extensive, with options like a Track Pace app for AMG models and a customizable head-up display. The ambient lighting and semi-automated functionality added to the vehicle's high-tech appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While physical knobs were provided for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other Outback trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced occupant protection in the event of a crash.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.