2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2022 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, known for its iconic boxy design, was a blend of ruggedness and luxury. Its straight-edged, two-box design was a nod to its military origins, yet it had become a status symbol among the elite. The G-Class offered a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class featured a sophisticated design with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and ambient cabin experience. Despite its luxurious appeal, the G-Class remained a capable off-road machine, often seen in bold custom colors and adorned with extravagant features.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness pushed the boundaries of what a station wagon could be, offering a more rugged, Jeep-like appearance. It featured a higher ground clearance of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and unique design elements like a matte black hood decal and Anodized Copper accents. The interior was practical, with water-repellant StarTex upholstery and a focus on functionality over luxury. The Outback Wilderness was designed for adventure, with a robust roof rack and waterproof cargo solutions, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a vehicle that could handle both on-road and off-road challenges.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, with the G550 model boasting a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Despite its hefty 5,551-pound curb weight, the G550 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive, with Dynamic Select driving programs for various terrains. The G-Class offered impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension, three locking differentials, and a turning circle of 44.6 feet. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, though fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Weighing 3,896 pounds, it offered a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters, though its performance was less engaging compared to a dual-clutch automatic. With standard all-wheel drive and a lifted suspension, the Wilderness excelled off-road, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles. It also included a dual-function X-Mode traction system for challenging terrains. On pavement, the Wilderness felt quick but was limited by its all-terrain tires, which excelled off-road but reduced cornering ability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a spacious and luxurious interior, with 38.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 68.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of over 1,000 pounds and could tow up to 7,700 pounds. The front cabin was roomy, with ample storage and a tall roofline providing excellent headroom. The second row accommodated three adults comfortably, with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages, and the G-Class lacked hands-free access for the tailgate.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The interior offered heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. The rear seat provided generous space for two adults or three children, with rear air vents and USB ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seat folded flat, with waterproof materials and LED lighting. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack, supporting a 700-pound static load for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class impressed with its twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These customizable screens allowed for a personalized driving experience, complemented by a Burmester Surround Sound system. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. The G-Class included standard features like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, though it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dominating the dashboard. While it had physical controls for volume and temperature, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less intuitive, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims, but it featured PIN code entry technology for secure access without a key fob.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of standard safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, and active brake assist. It also had adaptive cruise control, active parking assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the active lane-keeping assist could be abrupt, requiring careful use. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness prioritized safety with its EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also featured steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness lacked Subaru's DriverFocus technology, but its EyeSight system was effective and unobtrusive. While crash-test results for the Wilderness were unavailable, the standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.