2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling wagon market, embracing crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-inspired fascias. Its Crimson Red Pearl paint complemented the black leather interior, though earthy tones were deemed more fitting. Subaru focused on off-road capabilities, appealing to a niche market that proved successful, with the Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester leading sales. The Outback's interior was practical, with minimal chrome and glossy finishes, featuring easy-to-read gauges and a small digital display for essential information.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a unique identity among Mercedes SUVs. Its rounded profile and squared-off wheel arches gave it a distinctive look, though proportions were odd, especially in the Coupe models. Despite not being the most attractive in the lineup, it was unmistakably a Mercedes. New paint options and Manufaktur interiors added personalization, with the Yacht Blue interior standing out. The upscale cabin featured chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a Boxer engine in two forms: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 hp. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas, paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine offered better acceleration, making the XT model a recommended choice for those who could afford the upgrade. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode for traction, the Outback was well-suited for off-road adventures. The Wilderness model increased ground clearance to 9.5 inches. The Outback provided a smooth ride, though the stop/start technology and CVT had minor drawbacks.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 hp. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 510 hp. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp, offering thrilling acceleration. Despite impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited nimbleness even in AMG spec.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and a low roof for loading. It provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 75.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The 109 cubic feet of passenger volume surpassed crossover competitors, though rear seat space was slightly smaller. Different trims offered varied driving experiences, and the turbocharged engine increased towing capacity to 3,500 pounds.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row specs weren't published. It 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 GLE's center console provided ample storage, and it had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with a Harman Kardon audio system available. The dashboard had a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a CD player and USB ports for connectivity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE had dual 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment, with MBUX offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple access methods were available, though voice recognition was most effective. AMG models had additional drive modes and settings, with off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for the camera system.

The 2025 Subaru Outback included EyeSight driver-assist technology with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It earned a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and more. It received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though front-crash prevention ratings were mixed.