2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, distinguishing itself from the standard Outback models. It featured a higher ride height with 9.5 inches of ground clearance, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The exterior was marked by a unique grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, while the interior boasted StarTex water-repellant upholstery and a dark, rugged theme. The Outback Wilderness was designed to appeal to those seeking a vehicle with off-road capabilities and a distinctive style.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 maintained a more traditional luxury SUV appearance, with subtle updates to its design. The most noticeable change was the narrower taillights, while the overall styling remained consistent with the first-generation GLC. The interior received a significant update, featuring a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and high-quality materials. The GLC exuded a sense of timeless elegance, focusing on comfort and luxury rather than bold design changes.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed the Wilderness to tow up to 3,500 lbs and offered a commendable 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its all-terrain tires, revised suspension, and dual-function X-Mode traction system. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) detracted from the driving experience with its droning and soft gear changes.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 300 offered a smooth and linear acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The nine-speed automatic transmission and available 4Matic all-wheel-drive system provided a comfortable and confident driving experience. The GLC Coupe models retained their older engines, with the AMG GLC 43 Coupe offering a sportier option with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a practical interior with StarTex water-repellant upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The rear seat offered generous space for passengers, and the cargo area provided 32.5 cubic feet of storage, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The robust roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery. The interior provided sufficient storage space, including a large center console bin and well-sized door pockets. The rear seats accommodated average adults comfortably, though headroom was slightly limited. The GLC's cargo capacity was 21.9 cubic feet, smaller than some rivals, but adequate for most needs. The GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced cargo space to 17.6 cubic feet and slightly impacted rear headroom.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring physical knobs for volume and tuning. While the voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered superior functionality. The Outback also included a PIN code entry system, allowing owners to leave the key fob inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC boasted a new 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and quick responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition, though it interrupted audio playback. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system for audio enthusiasts.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system, providing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. The system was effective and unobtrusive, maintaining safe distances and lane centering. The Outback Wilderness also included steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. While crash-test results for the 2022 model were unavailable, the 2021 Outback received top safety ratings.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300's crash-test results were not yet available, but the previous GLC received high safety ratings. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and more. The GLC Coupe shared similar safety features, with additional cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.