2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid distinguished itself from its conventionally powered counterparts with unique visual elements. It featured bright gray inserts along the sides and front lower bumper, as well as blue frames around the upgraded headlight clusters. Available in exclusive colors like “Lagoon Blue,” the Crosstrek Hybrid was eye-catching. Inside, it boasted blue inserts and two-tone leather seats with blue contrast stitching, all standard. Despite its well-equipped nature, the Crosstrek Hybrid had limited rear cargo space due to the battery placement, but it compensated with a host of standard features, including adaptive headlights and a winter windshield de-icer.

In contrast, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB presented a boxy and tall design, maximizing interior volume over sleek aesthetics. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with optional 4Matic AWD. The GLB's design emphasized functionality, with robust roof rails and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. Our test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package, exuded style with 20-inch AMG wheels. The GLB's interior combined high style with simplicity, featuring dual 10.25-inch screens and ambient lighting. Despite some cost-cutting in materials, the GLB's cabin was a pleasant space, offering comfort and a sense of luxury.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a gas-electric powertrain with a 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a CVT and two electric motors, with an 8.8-kWh battery pack. Unlike other hybrids, its AWD system integrated hybrid components before power distribution, ensuring traditional AWD capability. The plug-in system offered a 17-mile electric range and a 90 MPGe rating. However, acceleration was underwhelming, with a 0-60 mph time of 8 seconds. The hybrid components added weight, affecting handling, but the Crosstrek Hybrid excelled in off-road conditions with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and X-Mode with hill-descent control.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB, available in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, aided by a wide torque band and an eight-speed DCT. The 4Matic AWD system optimized grip, with an Off-Road mode for maximum traction. The GLB offered a soft ride in Comfort mode, while Sport mode enhanced road feel and responsiveness. Despite modest engine specs, the GLB provided an engaging driving experience, though its brakes faded under spirited driving. Fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA estimate.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid's interior layout mirrored the conventional Crosstrek, with an electronic emergency brake replacing the handbrake. This allowed for side-by-side cupholders and more space for controls. The upright seating position offered a commanding view, and rear seat space was ample, accommodating a 6-foot-3 passenger comfortably. However, the cargo area was reduced to 41 cubic feet due to the battery pack, compared to 55 cubic feet in the gas-powered version.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB boasted generous interior dimensions, even offering an optional third row, a rarity in its class. It comfortably seated four adults, with ample headroom and visibility enhanced by large windows and an optional panoramic sunroof. The second-row seat slid for flexibility in passenger or cargo space. Front seats offered power adjustment, though heating and ventilation were extra. Cargo space was impressive, with 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with it folded, thanks to the traditional SUV roofline.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with Subaru’s premium Starlink infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen. Starlink featured large icons, a sensible menu layout, and no lag, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A unique multi-information display atop the dash provided fuel economy and hybrid system status, controlled by a steering wheel button.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing $2,200, upgraded to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added navigation with augmented video, while the Parking Assistance Package offered a surround-view camera and semi-autonomous parking. The 12-speaker Burmester sound system was a standout feature, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Subaru’s EyeSight suite added forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured adaptive high beams, blind-spot detection, and reverse automatic braking, providing semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered standard safety features such as a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Driver Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and enhanced Pre-Safe technology. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the GLB's safety systems operated with accuracy and refinement.