Subaru Forester vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?

Subaru Forester

$43,490 - $55,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

$61,868 - $159,868

2025 price

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Mercedes-Benz G63

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Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2026 Subaru Forester

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

By Marcus Craft

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Engine Type

—

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

—

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

—

7.3L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Nice interior
Refined on-road
Suitably capable off-road

More power and torque
More fuel efficient
Stylish cabin

Dislikes

Sluggish acceleration
Needs all-terrain tyres
Intrusive driver alert system

Misses V8 soundtrack
Big price rise over previous model
Smaller boot, no spare tyre

2026 Subaru Forester Summary

The sixth-generation of Subaru’s Forester has landed and while the new hybrid versions constitute the biggest news of this batch, the petrol-only variants should not be ignored.

The five-seat mid-size SUV has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder 'boxer' engine, Subaru’s well-regarded 'symmetrical all-wheel drive' system and some new changes inside and out.

So, does the top-spec Touring offer the best value-for-money in the petrol Forester line-up?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Summary

Let’s make one thing clear from the very beginning - this new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is technically superior to the model it replaces. Whether it’s actually better or not, is the real question at the heart of the matter.

Why? Because, like the C63 sedan stablemate, AMG has opted to replace the previous model’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It was a move brought about in part because of increasingly stricter emissions standards in Europe, but also ties-in with the German firm’s success in modern Formula One racing.

While the new hybrid system offers more power, more torque and better fuel economy, as the lukewarm response to the C63 has demonstrated, the hard reality for AMG is that its buyers associate it with V8 and even V12 engines. That emotional pull is hard to replace with logic, even if the new model offers technical superiority.

But how does the new powertrain suit the GLC63 - is it just technically better or is it holistically improved?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Subaru Forester 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Verdict

The MY26 Subaru Forester packs plenty of punch in terms of standard features, a roomy and functional interior and overall driveability. Sure, it’s not the most exciting vehicle to drive on- or off-road but to get stuck on that is to miss the point entirely. This is a decent all-rounder with a solid background and an AWD system that long ago set the gold standard for vehicles of this type.

In a tough mid-size SUV market segment aimed more at those intent on driving through car parks rather than adventuring through national parks, the Forester offers greater versatility than most and should not be ignored.

Verdict

Like I said right from the start, this new, hybrid version of the AMG GLC63 is technically superior to the model it replaces in every meaningful way. It is faster, more powerful and more fuel efficient and therefore a better performance SUV than the model it replaces.

Is it a better model than the one it replaces? Ultimately that will come down to how much stock you put into the soundtrack and your feelings on an AMG not powered by a V8 engine.

Because if you can see past that, then the AMG GLC63 is an absolutely fantastic performance SUV. Not only does the new powertrain make it faster in a straight line, but the chassis is very well-balanced, making for an engaging driving experience.

For those who can look past the smaller engine they will be rewarded with an incredibly fast and rewarding-to-drive member of the AMG family.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Subaru Forester vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Subaru Forester vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
What's the difference?