2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vs 2021 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 featured a retro exterior that stood out in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with a hand-built construction in Graz, Austria. Inside, the G-Class offered a sophisticated ambiance with a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment system and a matching virtual instrument panel, allowing for a customizable and immersive driving 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 2021 Subaru Outback maintained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of its predecessors. While the base trim had a more basic interior with dual 7-inch touchscreens, higher trims boasted an 11.6-inch portrait display, enhancing the cabin's modernity. The Outback's interior quality had improved significantly, with substantial materials and comfortable seating, especially in the Limited and Touring trims. Externally, the Outback featured practical gray cladding and a smooth, balanced design. It was a lifted wagon, offering a unique alternative to typical crossovers and SUVs, with adaptive LED headlights and a new brown paint option for 2021.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was a powerhouse, particularly the G550 model, which housed a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty 5,551-pound curb weight, the G550 was surprisingly agile, sprinting 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 boasted impressive off-road capabilities, with adjustable suspension and three locking differentials available. The AMG G63 variant took performance to another level, with 577 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 13 mpg city and 19 mpg highway for the G550.

The 2021 Subaru Outback, on the other hand, offered a more modest performance. The base model featured a 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While this setup was adequate for everyday driving, it struggled when fully loaded. The XT models, however, came with a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, significantly improving performance. The Outback excelled in ride comfort and off-road capability, thanks to its high ground clearance and Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system. The XT's fuel economy was slightly lower than the base model, but it offered a more satisfying driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was both luxurious and practical, with a cargo capacity of 38.1 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 68.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. It could tow up to 7,700 pounds, thanks to its body-on-frame construction. The G-Class offered a spacious cabin with ample headroom and legroom, enhanced by a standard sunroof. However, some luxury features, like ventilated seats, were only available in expensive packages. The G-Class also lacked hands-free access for the tailgate, a feature found in lower-tier Mercedes models.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cabin was designed for comfort and visibility, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. Storage solutions were plentiful, with large map pockets, bottle holders, and a clever center console design. However, some features, like push-button start and rear climate vents, were only available on higher trims. The Outback's standout feature was its integrated roof rails and crossbars, providing a practical and cost-effective solution for carrying additional cargo.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was equipped with advanced technology, featuring twin 12.3-inch HD screens for the instrument panel and infotainment system. These screens were customizable, allowing drivers to tailor the display to their preferences. The G-Class also included a Burmester Surround Sound system, enhancing the in-car experience. The infotainment system ran on Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, with unique Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel for easy navigation. While the G-Class offered WiFi and standard connectivity features, it lacked wireless device charging.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated compared to its competitors. The graphics and interface were reminiscent of older technology, but it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight was standard across all trims, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. However, the system relied solely on cameras, which could limit its effectiveness in certain conditions. The Outback's optional navigation system was more modern, but the base model's dual-screen setup was less cohesive than the single large screen available on higher trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class offered a range of safety features, including a rearview camera, Pre-Safe, traffic-sign assist, attention assist, and active brake assist. However, its size and weight posed potential risks to pedestrians and smaller vehicles. The G-Class had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for crash-worthiness.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted a strong and stiff chassis, with standard driver and passenger airbags. It was a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+," earning top ratings in crash tests and for its forward emergency braking system. The NHTSA awarded the Outback an overall five-star rating, although it received four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for the rollover test.