2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor particularly striking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels giving it a somewhat athletic appearance reminiscent of a sneaker. Despite the absence of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, which was known for its powerful V8 engine, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe still offered a luxurious interior. It featured high-end materials such as Nappa premium leather and a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, complemented by ambient lighting that enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the complexity of its technology could be daunting for newcomers, though familiarity with the system eventually led to a more intuitive operation.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer offered a more traditional SUV design with a long and tall hood, a rakish roofline, and a tapering greenhouse, contributing to its athletic appearance. The Explorer's interior varied in quality depending on the trim level, with higher trims offering a mix of quality materials and some that felt less premium. The Explorer's cabin was generally comfortable, though the third-row seat was best suited for children due to its limited space. The Explorer's design emphasized practicality, with features like a hands-free power liftgate and a maximum cargo volume of 2,132 litres when both rear rows were folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine, combined with the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, provided robust acceleration and improved fuel efficiency, with a consumption rate of 12.7 L/100 km. The GLE's performance was further enhanced by a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered various driving modes, including Sport+ for a more exhilarating experience. The GLE's adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension contributed to a comfortable and composed ride, though the vehicle's size and weight were noticeable on challenging roads.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a towing capacity of up to 2,400 kilograms and a fuel consumption rate between 10.3 and 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer also offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, delivering 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms and a fuel consumption rate of 9.6 L/100 km. The most powerful option was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,540 kilograms and a fuel consumption rate of 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust and capable, with the Timberline model offering enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was designed to accommodate up to five people, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 655 litres of space, expandable to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to its limited space. Higher-trim models offered features like triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The Explorer's cargo space was generous, with 528 litres behind the third row, expandable to 1,264 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,132 litres with both rear rows down. However, the interior lacked practical storage solutions, with limited pockets, shelves, and cubbies.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and optional features like a head-up display and a Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher trims featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less effective than newer systems, and the larger touchscreen felt like an afterthought in the interior design.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 additional driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. The GLE's safety systems were refined and accurate, with features like Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were incomplete. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the lane-centring assist system occasionally disengaged on sharper curves.