Head-to-head
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2027 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback edges it, 80.9 to 75.6, on price, tech & comfort, space & cargo. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on fuel & range and performance. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.3 and it flips.
A
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is sold in the U.S. as an electric and hybrid midsize SUV with 7 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the GLC40…
vs
A*2027 Subaru Outback
The 2027 Subaru Outback is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Outback AWD, is EPA-rated at 2…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Subaru Outback
Slight edgeThe Subaru Outback edges it, 80.9 to 75.6, on price, tech & comfort, space & cargo. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on fuel & range and performance. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.3 and it flips.
Fuel & range 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class leads by 75.1
Price 2027 Subaru Outback leads by 48
Performance 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class leads by 59.7
| Category · weight | 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Classoverall 75.6 | 2027 Subaru Outbackoverall 80.9 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 52 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 24.9 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 83.3 | 100 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 64.2 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 40.3 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 63.6 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 75.6 | 80.9 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: base trim GLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD · Subaru Outback: base trim Base AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.3 and the answer flips.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Subaru Outback wins
- It lists 24 standard driver-assist features against 8.
- It starts $30,505 lower ($32,995 against $63,500 base MSRP).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (27.5 points against 17.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers
- It is rated 119 combined against 27 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,850 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($650 against $2,500).
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
49 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $63,500 | $32,995 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 2,498 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | Dual Permanently Excited Synchronous Electric Motors with Front Disconnect Unit | DOHC 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER; aluminum cylinder block and heads |
| Fuel injection system | — | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 483 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 123 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 119 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 115 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 4.111 |
| Transmission speeds | 2 | 8 |
| Transmission type | Two-Speed (1st: 11:1 / 2nd: 5:1) | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 8.7 in |
| Overall height | 64.7 in | 67.5 in |
| Overall length | 191 in | 192 in |
| Overall width | 75.3 in | 74 in |
| Wheelbase | 117 in | 108 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 61.4 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 20.1 cu-ft | 34.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 112 cu-ft |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 41 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 40.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 43 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 39.5 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 3,700 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 5,578 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 5,027 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Four-Link | MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar, hydraulic engine mounts |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-Link with Steel Coil Springs | Double wishbone, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Speed-Dependent, Electro-Mechanical Power Steering | Electric Power Assisted Rack-and-Pinion (Dual Pinion) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 19.9 ft | 36.5 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 371 mm | 315 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | — | electronic |
| Rear brake diameter | 361 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 20 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | — | alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | 225/60R18 100H |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 18 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | MySubaru Companion |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 57.9 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 57.4 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
119 features · differences first, then sharedSafety32 differ · 33 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Surround View Monitor | std | — |
| Active Brake Assist | std | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control w/Lane Centering | — | std |
| Auto Vehicle Hold | — | std |
| Auto Vehicle Shut Down | — | std |
| Automatic Emergency Steering | — | std |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Digital Extras: Restart Function, Route-Based Speed Adjustment and Speed Limit Function | std | — |
| Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST | opt | — |
| Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO (available at a later date) | opt | — |
| Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 | std | — |
| DriverFocus® Driver Monitoring System | — | std |
| Emergency Lane Keep Assist | — | std |
| Emergency Stop Assist | — | std |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | — | std |
| High Performance LED Headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist | std | — |
| Lane Change Assist | — | std |
| Lane Departure & Lane Sway Warning | — | std |
| Lead Vehicle Start Alert | — | std |
| MB.DRIVE Standard (Lane Keeping Function, Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning, Stop Sign and Traffic Light Warning, Speed Limit Warning, Brake Assist, Emergency Stop Function, Maneuvering Assist and Reversing Camera) | std | — |
| Passenger Airbag ON / OFF Indicator | — | std |
| Pre-Collision Braking, Follow Distance Warning, and Throttle Management | — | std |
| PRE-SAFE® with PRE-SAFE® Sound | std | — |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Warning | — | std |
| Rear Radar Detection Sensors | — | std |
| Rear Seat Reminder | — | std |
| Rear-Vision Camera | — | std |
| Reverse Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Seatbelt: Driver's Warning Light & Chime | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | — | std |
| Blind Spot Warning | std | std |
Infotainment23 differ · 23 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10.25-inch Driver Display, 14-inch Central Multimedia Display and 14-inch Digital Trim Panel | std | — |
| 6-speaker system | — | std |
| AM/FM Stereo HD Radio® | — | std |
| Bluetooth® Audio Streaming, Hands-Free Phone Connectivity, SMS Text Messaging | — | std |
| Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System (16 speakers, 850 watts) with Dolby Atmos®, Sound Personalization, Automatic Seat Recognition, Noise Compensation and Chrome Speaker Covers | opt | — |
| Digital Extra: MB.CHARGE Public | std | — |
| Digital Extra: MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence (7-years) | std | — |
| Digital Extra: MBUX Smartphone Integration with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | std | — |
| Exclusive Package (Mercedes-Benz ICONIC Grille with Illuminated Panel, Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL, MBUX Superscreen with 14-inch Passenger Display, Ambient Lighting and Illuminated Door Sills) | opt | — |
| Fourth Generation MBUX Infotainment Powered by MB.OS | std | — |
| MBUX Augmented Reality Head-Up Display | opt | — |
| MBUX Hyperscreen with Seamless 39.1-inch Display | opt | — |
| MBUX Profile Authentication via Facial Recognition | std | — |
| MySubaru Companion (5-Year Free Trial/Subscription Required After): SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Advanced Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Diagnostic Alerts, Vehicle Condition Check, Vehicle Health Report, Service Appointment Scheduler, Remote Vehicle Locator, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Immobilization | — | opt |
| MySubaru Companion+ (Subscription Required): Remote Engine Start w/Remote Climate Controls, Remote Lock, Unlock, Horn and Lights; Curfew, Boundary and Speed Alerts; Valet Mode w/Password Reset, Pin, and Speed Alert; Trip Logs; Driving Journal; MySubaru Personal Assistant | — | opt |
| Paddle Shift Control | — | std |
| Pinnacle Package (All Features of Exclusive Package, DIGITAL LIGHT, Active Ambient Lighting, Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System and ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL) | opt | — |
| Pinnacle Plus Package (All Features of Pinnacle Package, Digital Extra: DIGITAL LIGHT with Projection Function, Ambient Lighting for Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL, MBUX Hyperscreen with Seamless 39.1-inch Display, Burmester® 4D Surround Sound System, Heated and Ventilated Front Seats with Massage Function Plus, Heated Rear Seats and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side) | opt | — |
| SiriusXM 360L Satellite Radio with Trial Period | std | — |
| SiriusXM with 360L (4 Month Free Trial / Subscription required after) | — | opt |
| Subaru 12.1-inch Multimedia System | — | std |
| Voice Activated Controls | — | std |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | — | std |
Convenience6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12-Volt Power Outlet | — | std |
| Digital Extra: Digital Vehicle Key for Smartphone | std | — |
| Door Handles: w/ Driver & Front Passenger Door Unlock/Lock Sensor | — | std |
| Illuminated Engine Start / Stop Switch | — | std |
| Keyless Access w/ Push Button Start | — | std |
| KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package w/ Digital Extras | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control with Pre-Entry Climate Control | std | — |
Seating8 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 6-way Manual Driver's Seat | — | std |
| Heated Power Front Seats with 4-Way Lumbar Support and Memory | std | — |
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat (includes 2-way Power Lumbar Support) | — | std |
| AMG Line Sport Seat Package | opt | — |
| Black Cloth Upholstery | — | std |
| Rear Seatback 60/40 split | — | std |
| Reclining Seatback | — | std |
| Whiplash Reducing Front Seats | — | std |
| Heated Front Seats (All-Weather Package) | std | std |
Interior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch full digital instrument display | — | std |
| Ambient Lighting for Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL | opt | — |
| Center Dash Panel: Black Tricot Cloth (No Stitch) | — | std |
| Cord Management Clip | — | std |
| Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel | std | — |
| Rear Seatback and Cargo Floor (Carpeted) | — | std |
| Rear Seatback Release Levers | — | std |
| Soft Grip Urethane Steering Wheel | — | std |
| Vegan Package – world's first independently certified vegan interior from an automaker | opt | — |
| Welcome Lighting | — | std |
| Rear View Mirror: Day / Night | — | std |
Exterior27 differ · 28 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 20-inch Wheels | std | — |
| 21-inch Wheels | opt | — |
| AMG Line (AMG Exterior Styling, AMG Wheels, Multifunction Sports Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather, AMG Floor Mats and AMG Sports Pedals) | opt | — |
| AMG Line Plus with Night Package | opt | — |
| AMG Night Package | opt | — |
| Door Handles: Body Color | — | std |
| Front Badge: Subaru 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Front Grille: Black Insert Material w/ Black Accent | — | std |
| Full Glass Panoramic Roof with Infrared Film and Low-Emissivity Coating | std | — |
| High Performance LED Headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Daytime Running Light Star | std | — |
| Illuminated Grille Outline and Illuminated Central Mercedes-Benz Star | std | — |
| LED Fog Lights | — | std |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights w/Automatic High Beams | — | std |
| Panoramic Roof with SKY CONTROL | opt | — |
| Power Mirrors: Black | — | std |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | std | — |
| Rear Badge / Black: OUTBACK | — | std |
| Rear Badge / Black: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Rear Badge: 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Rear Bumper Trailer Hitch Cover | — | std |
| Roof Rail Tie Down Points: Black Finish | — | std |
| Roof Rails: Raised Ladder Type: Black finish w/ Black finish End Mount Accent Covers and Crossbar | — | std |
| Side Cladding Letter Imprint: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Sound Insulating Windshield | — | std |
| Wheel Arch & Side Cladding: Black | — | std |
| Windshield Wiper De-Icer (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| Rear Roof Spoiler: Body Color w/ Black Edge & End Panels | — | std |
| Heated Power Exterior Mirrors (All-Weather Package) | std | std |
Powertrain3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Regenerative Braking with Four Levels of Recuperation ("D Auto," "D+," "D" and "D-") | std | — |
| AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with "Slippery," "Comfort," "Sport," "Sport+" & "Individual" Drive Programs | std | — |
| X-MODE® Single-Mode System with Hill Descent Control | — | std |
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | std | std |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Agility & Comfort Package (AIRMATIC Air Suspension with Intelligent Suspension Control, 4.5-degree Rear-Axle Steering) | opt | — |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-floor Cargo Area Storage Cover | — | std |
| Sub-floor Tire Repair Kit | — | std |
| Trailer Hitch and Digital Extra: Trailer Maneuvering Assist | opt | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Subaru Outback
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mercedes-Benz GLC-ClassGLC 400 4MATIC Electric (Base) AWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $63,500 (base trim) | $32,995 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $63,500 – $75,900 4 trims | $32,995 – $46,595 7 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV, HEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | GLC400 4matic electric (ST) | Outback AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 119 | 27 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $650 | $2,500 |
| EV range | 350 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback edges it, 80.9 to 75.6, on price, tech & comfort, space & cargo. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is ahead on fuel & range and performance. Raise the fuel & range weight from 3 to 4.3 and it flips. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Subaru Outback scores 80.9 and the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class 75.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The 2027 Subaru Outback starts lower — $32,995 against $63,500, a gap of $30,505 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Subaru Outback: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the 2027 Subaru Outback?
Where the 2027 Subaru Outback wins: it lists 24 standard driver-assist features against 8, starts $30,505 lower ($32,995 against $63,500 base MSRP), and lists more comfort and tech equipment (27.5 points against 17.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class answers: it is rated 119 combined against 27 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,850 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($650 against $2,500). What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.