Subaru Outback vs Mercedes-Benz GLA
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Subaru Outback starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA opens at $58,900. That makes the Subaru Outback the more affordable entry point by $9,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $53,889 and $64,790 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLA by roughly $3,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Subaru Outback and Mercedes-Benz GLA hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the Subaru Outback and 96% for the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Subaru Outback and 7 in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru Outback features a 12.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz GLA gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Outback stands out with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Mercedes-Benz GLA counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Subaru Outback uses a Petrol producing 137kW and 254Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA responds with a Petrol making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru Outback measures 4,870mm long on a 2,745mm wheelbase, 459mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLA at 4,411mm (2,729mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Outback generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 975L in the Subaru Outback and 435L in the Mercedes-Benz GLA, giving the Subaru Outback a 540L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback and $1,710/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLA. That is a $741 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (Subaru Outback) vs $1,710 (Mercedes-Benz GLA). The Mercedes-Benz GLA saves you roughly $741 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLA). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLA if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Outback takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz GLA will save you roughly $741 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Subaru Outback and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Subaru Outback is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz GLA by $9,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Subaru Outback and Mercedes-Benz GLA all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is quickest to 100km/h in 9.1s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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