2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements that Subaru had been implementing since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained the changes introduced in 2024, such as new sheet metal and chassis construction, which were subtle yet effective. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful addition, enhancing both fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a harmonious blend of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that emphasized functionality. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, while the gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a touch of style. The Limited Hybrid trim included upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel, contributing to a comfortable and inviting interior.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a more luxurious and sophisticated design. The GLE 450 model, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology, was part of a lineup that ranged from the base GLE 350 to the high-performance AMG GLE 63 S Coupe. The GLE 450 featured the Exclusive Package and the new Manufaktur Edition Package, which included exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its luxury status, the GLE's exterior design was somewhat bland, with the Moonlight White Magno paint highlighting its egg-like shape. However, the interior was a different story, boasting elegant details and high-quality materials. The cabin featured matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays, creating a luxurious atmosphere. The steering wheel, although numb in Comfort mode, felt good in hand, and the sport braking system provided reliable performance. Overall, the GLE's interior was a testament to Mercedes' commitment to luxury and comfort.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with acceleration that was both 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 achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg, likely due to the test route's dirt roads. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided excellent off-road capability and predictable power flow, although it did result in some fuel-efficiency loss. The steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the vehicle exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, on the other hand, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, and had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Despite its off-road capabilities, the GLE 450's standard suspension allowed for too much body motion, resulting in a less-than-ideal driving experience in various conditions. The steering, while firm in Dynamic mode, remained numb and overassisted in Comfort mode. The sport braking system performed well during spirited driving but felt grabby in stop-and-go traffic. The GLE 450's fuel economy was decent, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, which matched the test results. Overall, while the GLE 450 offered impressive power and towing capabilities, its driving dynamics were hindered by the standard suspension setup.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid represented Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid version of the Crosstrek, and it appeared to be the most successful yet. Unlike previous iterations, the 2026 model did not compromise on cargo space or fuel capacity. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 50.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered ample storage. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of up to 597 miles on a full tank. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, along with deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a more luxurious and spacious interior. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, featuring heating, "energizing seat kinetics," and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather upholstery. The rear seats provided generous legroom and headroom, although the seating position was low relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports. The GLE's cargo space was impressive, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a maximum of 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included thoughtful features like a netted compartment, robust hooks, and a large spare tire under the load floor. Overall, the GLE's interior was well-designed for both passenger comfort and cargo versatility.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen as standard in both the Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. While visually impressive, the infotainment system was not as competitive as those found in the Kia Niro Hybrid or Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, with noticeable lag when swiping between screens, and the touchscreen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls, such as the auto-hold function and X-Mode settings, were accessed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to bypass the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps, although not Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics, minimal reflections, and a range of configurations. A biometric authentication system allowed for personalized user profiles, and the digital voice assistant performed well, with only minor issues. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation, which proved genuinely useful. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and one year of Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming, with Apple Music integration.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. The 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to lower scores in certain crash tests. Subaru addressed these issues by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. However, the Crosstrek Hybrid lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to those offered by competitors.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound, a unique Mercedes feature that emitted a tone to protect occupants' hearing during a collision. The Driver Assistance Package, available for an additional cost, added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, evasive steering assist, and other advanced features. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist was a noteworthy feature, automatically stopping the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. However, some driver aids, such as the route-based speed-adjustment feature, were inconsistent and could be frustrating. The IIHS named the 2025 GLE a "Top Safety Pick+," but the NHTSA had not yet rated the 2026 model.