2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$45,800 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and the 2026 Subaru Outback is the $10,805 MSRP gap, with the Mercedes starting at $45,800 compared to the Outback’s $34,995. Performance favors the GLB-Class, delivering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Outback’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is narrowly competitive, with the GLB achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Outback's 27, though the Mercedes requires premium fuel. Significant differences appear in dimensions and utility: the Outback is notably longer at 191.7 inches versus 182.4 inches, translating directly to its superior 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the GLB's 22 cu ft. The Outback also features standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting with the GLB's standard Front-Wheel Drive configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The GLB-Class offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 28 MPG, making it marginally more efficient for daily driving despite requiring premium fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback provides 34.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the GLB-Class’s 22 cubic feet for hauling family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

With 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the GLB-Class offers considerably more power than the Outback's 180 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback presents a lower barrier to entry with an MSRP of $34,995 and uses regular unleaded fuel, resulting in lower running costs.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class if...

Absolute horsepower is a priority, as the GLB-Class delivers 221 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp.
A preference exists for the handling characteristics of an 8-speed automated manual transmission.
The buyer prioritizes the luxury badge presence over maximizing raw utility space.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Cost savings are critical, given the $10,805 lower MSRP and use of regular unleaded fuel.
Maximum cargo volume is needed, with the Outback offering 34.6 cu ft compared to the GLB’s 22 cu ft.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is required, as the base GLB comes standard with FWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class	Subaru Outback
Length	182.4"	191.7"
Width	72.2"	74.0"
Height	66.7"	67.5"
Wheelbase	111.4"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	221 hp @ 5500 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Transmission Type	8-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/33 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/524.7 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	18.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Infotainment Display	10.25 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	—
Speaker System	—	6
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.1 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	57.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.1 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.9 in.	57.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	55.1 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Size	235/55R18	225/60R H
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Subaru
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class and 2026 Subaru Outback.

How does the required fuel type impact the long-term cost of ownership for these two vehicles?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class requires premium unleaded fuel, which typically costs more per gallon than the regular unleaded required by the 2026 Subaru Outback. This mandatory fuel type difference will contribute to higher running expenses for the GLB, offsetting some of its minor MPG advantage.

Which vehicle offers better stability in low-traction conditions?

The 2026 Subaru Outback comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, providing better inherent grip on slippery surfaces. The standard configuration for the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class is Front-Wheel Drive, requiring an optional upgrade for AWD capability.

Is the size difference between the two crossovers significant for city parking?

The GLB-Class is shorter in length at 182.4 inches compared to the Outback's 191.7 inches, making the Mercedes slightly easier to maneuver and park in tight urban spots.

What is the performance deficit when choosing the less expensive Outback?

Choosing the Outback means accepting a 41 horsepower deficit (180 hp vs. 221 hp) and 80 lb-ft less torque (178 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft) compared to the GLB-Class.

How much more interior utility space does the Outback offer over the GLB?

The Outback surpasses the GLB in cargo capacity by 12.6 cubic feet, offering 34.6 cu ft compared to the GLB’s 22 cu ft, a substantial difference for larger hauling needs.

Do these vehicles use similar transmission technology?

No, the GLB-Class utilizes an 8-speed automated manual transmission, while the Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).