2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out in a dwindling market of wagons in the United States, adopting crossover trends with its rugged design elements like chunky wheel-arch flares and skid plate-like fascias. Its Crimson Red Pearl paint paired beautifully with the black leather interior, though it arguably looked best in earthy tones. Subaru focused on appealing to adventurous buyers, a strategy that paid off as the Outback, along with the Crosstrek and Forester, became top sellers. The 2025 model saw no major changes, but the Limited trim gained features like a power moonroof and a 360-degree heated steering wheel. The Touring XT trim offered Nappa leather and ventilated front seats, enhancing the interior's comfort and functionality.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, available in several trims including the GLS 450 and Maybach GLS 600, offered a luxurious experience with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels and exclusive interior upgrades. Despite its sporty exterior enhancements, the paint color didn't stand out. The interior, similar to the smaller GLE-Class, boasted high-quality materials but had some body creaks in cold weather. The GLS 450 came with standard artificial leather, with options for higher-grade materials and various interior trims. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, and the vehicle's control layout, though unique, was easy to adapt to.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed "Boxer" engine, available in two forms: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 260 horsepower. Both engines ran on regular unleaded gas and were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided a more spirited drive, making the XT model a recommended choice for those who could afford the upgrade. The Outback excelled off-road with 8.7 inches of ground clearance, enhanced to 9.5 inches in the Wilderness model. Its smooth ride, light steering, and powerful brakes made it a comfortable companion on rough roads, though the stop/start technology and CVT had some drawbacks.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered various driving modes, including Comfort and Sport, and had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The Airmatic adaptive suspension significantly improved ride quality, making the GLS a smooth and refined daily driver. While the powertrain occasionally exhibited delays, the turbo-six engine provided ample power and a pleasing sound under acceleration. The GLS's tailored feel and manageable dimensions made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape offered practicality with easy entry and exit, a low roof height for loading, and a low center of gravity for agile handling. It provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with it folded, though slightly smaller than some crossovers. The Outback's 109 cubic feet of passenger volume surpassed its competitors, offering more front headroom and legroom. Buyers could choose between different trims and engine options, with towing capacity increasing to 3,500 pounds with the turbocharged engine.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. It provided exceptional comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated seats. The Manufaktur Edition Package added fabric pillows to the front-seat head restraints, though they were not well-received. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated second-row captain’s chairs, and the third-row seat offered good thigh support despite limited legroom. Storage space was somewhat lacking, but the glove compartment was spacious. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, though less than some competitors.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with large icons, though the Starlink infotainment system was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Harman Kardon audio system performed well despite occasional interruptions. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, with a CD player and USB ports for older devices.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant for voice commands, though it occasionally struggled with specific requests.

The 2025 Subaru Outback came equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist. It featured parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a hands-on driver-assistance system. While the system required active driver participation, it performed well in most situations. The GLS braked harder than necessary in some scenarios, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.