2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged take on the traditional Outback, offering a higher stance and a more adventurous aesthetic. With 23 centimetres of ground clearance, it was designed to tackle tougher terrains, resembling more of a Jeep than a station wagon. The Wilderness model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Its unique design elements, such as a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, set it apart from standard Outbacks. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching adding to its rugged charm.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was a blend of new and familiar elements. While the GLC 300 was redesigned, it retained a similar silhouette to its predecessor, with the most noticeable change being its narrower taillights. The interior, however, received a significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a modern, high-tech design. The GLC's cabin was known for its excellent materials and solid construction, offering a simpler and cleaner design compared to its rivals. The returning GLC Coupe models maintained their first-generation design, with a coupe-like roofline that distinguished them from the standard GLC 300.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), provided ample power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. While the CVT offered eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, its droning and soft gear changes were less satisfying during spirited driving. The Wilderness trim featured all-wheel drive, 23 cm of ground clearance, and all-terrain tires, making it highly capable off-road. It also boasted improved approach, breakover, and departure angles, along with a dual-function X-Mode traction system for challenging terrains.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive were standard in Canada. The GLC 300 offered smooth acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. Its suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling, providing a smooth ride and a nearly silent cabin. The returning GLC Coupe models featured a similar powertrain, while the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offered a more powerful 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque for a sportier driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark grey StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger. Rear seat space was generous, with ample head and legroom for two adults or three children. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space behind the rear seats and 2,144 litres with the seats folded flat. The Wilderness model also boasted a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered comfortable front seats with synthetic leather upholstery and standard heated seats. The cabin featured ample storage options, though the piano black trim attracted dust and fingerprints. The rear seats provided good legroom, though headroom was slightly limited for taller passengers. The GLC's cargo area measured 620 litres, smaller than some rivals, but still adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo capacity to 500 litres and affected rear headroom.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which integrated climate control and dominated the dashboard. While physical knobs and buttons were available for basic functions, most controls required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a new 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

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. It also featured steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300's crash-test results were not yet available, but it was expected to perform well based on Mercedes' reputation. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The optional Intelligent Drive package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features, with additional cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.