2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

$39,995 · Crossover

$43,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru Ascent explodes onto the scene with raw, rugged capability, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque channeled through standard all-wheel drive, ready for any adventure, despite its 20/26 MPG rating. In contrast, the sleeker 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers European refinement with superior frugality, achieving a stellar 28 MPG combined by leveraging its FWD architecture and smaller 221 hp engine, although it mandates premium fuel. The Ascent is the undisputed powerhouse, leading by a significant 39 horsepower margin, while the GLB counters with more usable space, offering 22 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. This showdown pits Subaru's brute force and lower regular unleaded fuel requirement against Mercedes-Benz's efficiency and compact dimensions, separated by a $3,800 difference in starting MSRP.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB wins for commuters due to its significantly better 28 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent offers a commanding presence with a superior 260 hp output, ideal for hauling passengers and gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent's 277 lb-ft of torque and standard AWD provide a more dynamic and traction-focused driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The 2025 Subaru Ascent provides more horsepower and standard AWD for a $3,805 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You prioritize sheer power, needing the 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque for challenging conditions.
You require standard all-wheel drive for maximum traction without opting for higher trims.
You want to save money on fuel costs by running on regular unleaded gasoline.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLB if...

Exceptional fuel efficiency is paramount, as the GLB achieves 33 MPG highway.
You need maximum usable cargo volume, benefiting from the GLB's 22 cu ft capacity.
You prefer the smaller exterior footprint (182.4 inches long) for easier urban maneuvering.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Mercedes-Benz GLB
Length	196.8"	182.4"
Width	76.0"	72.2"
Height	71.6"	66.7"
Wheelbase	113.8"	111.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic 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
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	11.6 in	10.25 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.2 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.1 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	57.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	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

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.5 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	245/60R	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which crossover is more powerful for passing and acceleration?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent is clearly the more powerful machine, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This 39 hp advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB's 221 hp will translate to quicker acceleration and more assured highway passing power.

Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB cheaper to run daily?

Yes, the GLB is substantially more fuel-efficient, offering a 28 MPG combined rating versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined. However, potential savings are offset because the GLB mandates the use of more expensive premium unleaded fuel.

How significant is the difference in size between the two vehicles?

The Subaru Ascent is a substantially larger vehicle, measuring 196.8 inches long and 76.0 inches wide. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is noticeably more compact at 182.4 inches in length and 72.2 inches in width, making the GLB easier to park.

If I regularly carry a lot of gear, which crossover has more space?

Despite being the physically smaller exterior vehicle, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB offers greater dedicated storage with 22 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Subaru Ascent provides less room behind the rear seats at 17.8 cu ft.

What is the primary drivetrain difference influencing traction?

The Subaru Ascent comes standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive, providing inherent capability in varied conditions. Conversely, the standard configuration for the Mercedes-Benz GLB utilizes front-wheel drive, though AWD may be optional.

Considering the initial purchase price, where is the better bang for the buck?

The 2025 Subaru Ascent presents better upfront value, starting at $39,995 compared to the GLB's $43,800 MSRP. This $3,805 savings is paired with higher output from the Subaru's engine.