2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding contrasted beautifully with the Autumn Green Metallic color of the Touring XT model, offering a unique appeal that surpassed typical beige tones. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs differed across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims featured larger, machine-finished wheels.

Inside, the Outback impressed with its upscale feel, particularly in the top-trim model, which boasted Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery. The Limited trim offered standard leather, while the Onyx Edition and Wilderness featured Subaru’s StarTex synthetic leather. Base and Premium trims came with cloth seats, providing a range of options to suit different preferences.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, stood out with its distinctive, rounded profile, reminiscent of its M-Class predecessor. The GLE's design included squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, giving it a wide stance. However, the sharply tapered side glass and fastback-style roofline created unusual proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. Despite its unconventional look, the GLE maintained the brand's signature style, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes.

For 2025, the GLE offered new customization options, including four new paint colors and Manufaktur interiors available across all models. The interior featured luxurious Nappa leather in new colors like Yacht Blue, enhancing the upscale feel. The cabin was adorned with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-color ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated and special atmosphere.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, upgraded to a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard. The turbo engine in the Touring XT provided a better fit for the vehicle's weight, and the CVT mimicked eight distinct gears effectively. The Outback offered a comfortable ride, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, increased to 9.2 inches in the Wilderness trim, which also featured all-terrain tires and advanced X-Mode for off-road conditions.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp. The GLE 63 S delivered thrilling acceleration and a classic V8 soundtrack, though the SUV felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades. Maneuverability in tight spaces was challenging, despite features like adaptive air suspension.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered generous interior space, with more front headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It also provided ample legroom in both rows. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats down. Features included dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat from the Premium trim upwards. The Touring trim added ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate was standard from the Premium trim, and roof rails with retractable cross bars were a practical touch.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row legroom than rivals. Cargo space was 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The center console provided ample storage, and the GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds. Despite its size, the GLE's interior was well-designed for comfort and practicality.

The 2024 Subaru Outback featured a mix of old-school and modern tech, with a CD player in the Touring trim and both USB-C and USB-A ports. The top trims had an 11.6-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which became wireless from the Premium trim. The Starlink system was functional, though dated, with climate controls integrated into the touchscreen. Wi-Fi capability, Bluetooth, HD Radio, and SiriusXM were standard, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available on most trims.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with MBUX offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple access methods included a touchpad, steering-wheel controls, and voice recognition. AMG models had additional drive modes and settings accessible via steering-wheel dials. Off-road displays and a “transparent hood” function enhanced the GLE’s capabilities, while air suspension improved ground clearance.

The 2024 Subaru Outback earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the EyeSight suite with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Onyx Edition added blind-spot monitoring, and the Touring trim featured a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention ratings varied.