Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Outback, against 0 on the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 9 in the Subaru Outback.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC stands out with head-up display and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 137kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 164mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLC generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 70L advantage.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.9 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $171 a year less for the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLC) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Mercedes-Benz GLC), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Mercedes-Benz GLC: more power (150kW against 137kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (600L against 530L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,138 a year against $2,309).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $89,900).

The Verdict

Level: here's what splits them

The Mercedes-Benz GLC (62) and Subaru Outback (76) are too close to call on the figures we hold. What splits them: value (Subaru Outback ahead by 19 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz GLC ahead by 13 points), reliability (Subaru Outback ahead by 6 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs about $171 less (7.5 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions