Compare the2026 Subaru OutbackVS 2025 Mercedes GLC

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Outback. But it costs extra on the GLC.

The Outback’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the GLC.

The Subaru Outback’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Mercedes GLC does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Outback and the GLC have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the Outback 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the GLC. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the GLC ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 66 percent more Subaru dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Outback’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 23 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes With 31 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Mercedes.

The Outback XT/Wilderness’ standard 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder produces 5 more horsepower (260 vs. 255) than the GLC 300’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Outback lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The GLC doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Outback gets better mileage than the GLC running its gasoline engine:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Outback uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended on Outback XT/Wilderness for maximum performance). The GLC requires premium, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Outback has 5.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC 350e’s standard fuel tank (18 vs. 12.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Outback has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the GLC’s standard fuel tank (18 vs. 16.4 gallons).

The Outback has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The GLC doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Outback Wilderness has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the GLC; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which limits mileage and speed before replacement.

The Outback offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The GLC’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better maneuverability, the Outback’s turning circle is 2.2 feet tighter than the GLC’s (36.5 feet vs. 38.7 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Outback has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GLC (8.7 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the Outback to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Outback Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is 1.3 inches higher than on the GLC (9.5 vs. 8.2 inches).

The Subaru Outback may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 450 to 1050 pounds less than the Mercedes GLC.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Outback has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The GLC uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The front grille of the Outback uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The GLC doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Outback has 2.3 inches more front legroom, .6 inches more front shoulder room, .8 inches more rear headroom, 2.1 inches more rear legroom and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the GLC.

The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the GLC with its rear seat up (34.6 vs. 21.9 cubic feet). The Outback has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the GLC with its rear seat folded (80.5 vs. 56.3 cubic feet).

The Outback’s cargo area is larger than the GLC’s in every dimension:

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the Outback, using the Vehicle Dynamics Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the GLC.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 22% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 14th.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Outback’s exterior PIN entry system. The GLC doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Outback has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the GLC only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Outback to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The GLC doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Subaru Outback outsold the Mercedes GLC by almost three to one during 2024.