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Subaru Forester vs Mercedes GLB comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 354 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 43,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Mercedes GLB?

Subaru Forester vs Mercedes GLB: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • barely lighter
details

Mercedes GLB

3.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • marginally more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Subaru Forester is visibly cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Mercedes GLB costs 43,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,063 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLB uses 5.7 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.4 L/100km.

GLB

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLB offers substantially more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 218 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 6.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLB delivers clearly more torque with 515 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 333 Nm more.

Forester

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Subaru Forester is barely lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 1,840 kg. The difference is around 147 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLB offers marginally more boot space – 540 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 32 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLB carries very slightly more – 505 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 13 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLB stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £43,200
GLB

Mercedes GLB

  • Engine Type Electric, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 156 - 354 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.7 - 6.1 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 15.4 - 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 431 - 631 km
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Subaru Forester
Mercedes GLB

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Marie-Sophie
6 Jul 2026, 15:22:11

Unfortunately Citroën isn't sold here in the Americas, otherwise I would have chosen the C5.X!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Mercedes GLB

The Mercedes GLB is a compact luxury SUV that blends smart packaging with a polished, composed driving experience. Its flexible interior and premium feel make it a sensible pick for buyers who want Mercedes comfort and practicality in a smaller footprint.

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Reviews Mercedes GLB

3.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
Hans
19 Feb 2026, 02:39:00

Great car — very satisfied with the GLB 250 4MATIC.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Subaru Forester
Mercedes GLB

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
43,200 - 62,400 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
15.4 - 15.9 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
431 - 631 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
0 - 138 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
1,840 - 2,280 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
540 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,861 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
485 - 505 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric, Full Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
156 - 354 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
280 - 515 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
115 - 260 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, E
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.