2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which had shifted the SUV from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform. This change had already given the Explorer a more balanced and sleek appearance, and the 2025 refresh further enhanced its aesthetic appeal. The front end was restyled to appear wider and more ruggedly handsome, while new LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added a modern touch. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. The reduction in trim levels from six to four in Canada streamlined the options, with prices ranging from $52,830 to $71,430.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained its unique identity within the Mercedes lineup. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille giving it a wide stance. The GLE's interior offered a variety of colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan, with features like chunky air vents and 64-colour ambient lighting adding to its upscale feel. Despite its visual bulk, the GLE's styling adhered to Mercedes' brand identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. However, the GLE's proportions, especially in the Coupe models, were somewhat unconventional, with a fastback-style roofline contrasting with the lower body.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All Canadian models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, branded as 4WD by Ford. The Explorer's fuel economy ratings were competitive, with the base engine achieving 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway. The V6 in the Platinum and ST trims had slightly higher consumption figures. The Explorer's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, allowed for a tailored driving experience, with the ST-Line offering larger wheels for enhanced performance aesthetics.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S performance models offered even more power, with the latter's twin-turbo V8 producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite its impressive power, the GLE felt larger than its midsize classification, with features like adaptive air suspension unable to fully mitigate its bulk on backroads.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The interior featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather upholstery and cloth inserts, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. However, the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 461 litres behind the third row, 1,302 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,429 litres. The Explorer's interior updates, including ambient lighting and a wireless charging pad, enhanced its appeal.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row legroom than many rivals. Cargo space was also competitive, with 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's centre console provided ample storage for small items, and its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms ensured it could handle substantial loads.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Explorer also offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and voice recognition capabilities.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interface consisted of dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a seamless display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods such as a centre console touchpad and steering wheel controls. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Some models offered off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for enhanced visibility.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. Higher trims featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. The Explorer earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal on most trims, with the Platinum receiving a Good rating.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The IIHS awarded the GLE a Top Safety Pick+ rating, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.