2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued the design evolution initiated in its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the available trim levels in Canada to four, with prices ranging from $52,830 to $71,430, including the destination charge.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered nine versions in Canada, with prices starting at $85,400 and reaching up to $172,400 before fees. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 450 model featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE's exterior design was somewhat bland, but the interior was elegantly detailed with quality materials and sophisticated digital displays. The GLE's cabin was quiet and comfortable, with thoughtful storage solutions and a generous cargo area. However, the seating position in the back was low, affecting passenger comfort.

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 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Canadian models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, catering to various driving conditions. Fuel economy ratings for the base engine were 11.9 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.4 combined. The V6 engine in the Platinum and ST trims had slightly higher consumption figures. The Explorer's performance was commendable, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, especially in the ST-Line trim with the Street Package.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, generating 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It had a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered driving modes like Eco, Comfort, and Sport. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms, a notable figure for a luxury SUV. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting ride quality. The steering felt numb, and the brakes were grabby in typical driving situations. The GLE's fuel economy was decent, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km, matching our test results.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured comfortable front seats with black artificial leather upholstery and cloth inserts. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, but accessing the third row was challenging for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 461 litres behind the third row, 1,302 litres behind the second row, and a maximum of 2,429 litres.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's front seats were firm yet comfortable, with features like "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, though the seating position was low. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE's cargo area provided 943 litres of space behind the back seat and 2,120 litres with the seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions and a power rear liftgate added to its practicality.

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. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and a responsive Google Assistant. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line having 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers and 980 watts of power.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE used the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system featured lush graphics and a biometric authentication system. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist. The ST-Line trim and higher featured BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. The Explorer earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated its crash performance well but noted marginal headlight ratings for some trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist was a notable feature. The IIHS named the GLE a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025, but its front crash prevention tech earned low ratings.