2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback presented itself as a rugged yet practical option for those who appreciated the dwindling wagon style in Canada. Its design incorporated crossover trends like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias, which clearly communicated its off-road capabilities. The Outback's exterior was complemented by a well-executed interior that avoided excessive chrome and glossy black plastic, maintaining a balance between functionality and aesthetics. The Premier XT trim, which featured Nappa leather upholstery and ventilated front seats, offered a touch of luxury while retaining the vehicle's adventurous spirit.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a distinct identity within the Mercedes SUV lineup. Its design featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a wide stance. The GLE's interior stood out with its Yacht Blue option, although not available in Canada, and upscale features like chunky air vents and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. Despite its somewhat awkward proportions, especially in the Coupe models, the GLE's styling adhered to Mercedes' brand orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

The 2025 Subaru Outback was powered by a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms. The standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-litre engine in the Wilderness and XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Outback's ground clearance of 22 centimetres, increased to 24.1 centimetres in the Wilderness model, and Subaru’s X-Mode enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its ruggedness, the Outback offered a smooth and comfortable ride, although its stop/start technology and CVT had room for improvement.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively. The GLE's performance was impressive, particularly in the AMG models, but its size and weight made it less nimble than some competitors.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality with easy entry and exit, a low roof height for loading, and a low centre of gravity for quick direction changes. It offered 923 litres of cargo space with the rear seat up and 2,141 litres with the bench folded, along with a total passenger volume of 3,044 litres. The Outback's towing capacity ranged from 1,225 kilograms to 1,588 kilograms with the turbocharged engine, making it a versatile choice for various needs.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although third-row space specs were not published. It offered competitive cargo space with 894 litres behind the second-row seats and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was impressive, matching the Audi Q7 and surpassing some competitors. Despite its bulky centre console, the GLE provided reasonable small-item storage and a high seating position, although visibility was somewhat compromised.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, although the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with wireless functionality except in the base model. The Harman Kardon audio system performed well, but frequent Starlink disturbances were a drawback. The dashboard's mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions might appeal to some buyers, while others might find it lacking in modernity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a pair of 12.3-inch screens for its digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface could be accessed through various methods, including voice recognition, which was a standout feature. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car included additional settings for drive modes and damper firmness, enhancing its sporty appeal. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function added to the GLE's versatility.

The 2025 Subaru Outback came equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. While the system kept the vehicle in its lane, it exhibited more side-to-side movement than desired. Higher trims added 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.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.