Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in its predecessors, maintaining its reputation as an attractive vehicle. The third-generation model carried forward the changes from 2024, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, where a frameless grille with a curved wing bar created a visual connection with the headlights, giving it a distinctive smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design prioritizing function over flash. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, and came equipped with black leather upholstery in Canadian models.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a luxurious and elegantly detailed interior, despite its exterior styling being somewhat bland. The GLE 450 model, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, provided a sophisticated cabin with matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and digital displays. The steering wheel was classy, and the climate controls were wisely separated from the centre touchscreen. However, the standard suspension allowed too much unwanted body motion, affecting the driving experience. The GLE's interior was spacious, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, although the seating position felt low. The cargo area was ample, with 943 litres of space behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,120 litres with the seats folded.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Boxer H4 engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with acceleration noticeably quicker and smoother than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid'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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine, produced 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a capacity of 3,500 kilograms. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting the driving experience. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode, but remained uninterested in anything but straight-line travel. The sport braking system performed well in demanding conditions but felt grabby in typical driving situations. The GLE's fuel economy was decent, matching the estimated 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a cargo volume of 527 litres behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 1,433 litres, it provided ample storage without the compromises of previous models. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. The rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and two cupholders.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with firm front seats featuring "energizing seat kinetics" and optional ventilated seats. The back seat provided generous legroom and headroom, although the seating position felt low. The cargo area was expansive, with 943 litres of space behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,120 litres with the seats folded. The GLE also offered thoughtful storage solutions, including a cover for the wireless charging pad and cupholders. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system was not competitive with those in the Kia Niro Hybrid or Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map could not display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and one year of Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars in its overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to those from Ford, GM, or Hyundai.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech was limited for a luxury SUV, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist was noteworthy, automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. However, some driver aids, like the route-based speed-adjustment feature, were frustrating to use. The GLE received a "Top Safety Pick+" designation from the IIHS for 2025, but its front crash prevention tech earned low ratings.