Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Subaru Outback
Verdict
For Malaysian buyers, the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a more compact and agile driving experience with a price of RM 258,888, making it a more affordable entry into the premium SUV segment. It boasts a fuel economy of 5.6 L/100km and a quicker 0-100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds, appealing to those prioritising efficiency and performance.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLA if you value a more agile and economical SUV experience.
Pick the Subaru Outback if you need a larger, more spacious vehicle with all-wheel drive capabilities.
Key differences
- Price: RM 258,888 (GLA) vs RM 280,390 (Outback)
- Engine: 1,332 cc (GLA) vs 2,498 cc (Outback)
- Power: 161 hp (GLA) vs 185 hp (Outback)
- 0–100 km/h: 8.7 s (GLA) vs 9.6 s (Outback)
- Boot space: 435 L (GLA) vs 522 L (Outback)
- Fuel tank: 43 L (GLA) vs 63 L (Outback)
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 258,888✓ | RM 280,390 |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | C-Segment | D-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,332 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Power | 161 hp | 185 hp✓ |
| Torque | 250 Nm✓ | 245 Nm |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.7 s✓ | 9.6 s |
| Top speed | 210 km/h✓ | 206 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 5.6 L/100km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,870 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,875 mm |
| Height | 1,611 mm | 1,682 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Boot space | 435 L | 522 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 43 L | 63 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 4 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 100✓ | RM 878 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
GLA
- More affordable price point
- Better fuel economy at 5.6 L/100km
- Quicker acceleration with 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds
- Smaller boot space at 435 L
- Less power at 161 hp
- Shorter warranty period of 4 years
Outback
- Larger boot space at 522 L
- More powerful engine with 185 hp
- Longer warranty period of 5 years
- Higher price at RM 280,390
- Slower acceleration with 0-100 km/h in 9.6 seconds
- Less fuel-efficient with no specific figure provided
GLA vs Outback FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLA or Subaru Outback better?
The choice depends on your priorities; the GLA is more economical and agile, while the Outback offers more space and power.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is priced at RM 258,888, while the Subaru Outback costs RM 280,390, making the GLA RM 21,502 cheaper.
What are the warranty periods for both models?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with a 4-year warranty, whereas the Subaru Outback offers a 5-year warranty.