2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Overview | |
MSRP$61,850 | MSRP$38,465 |
Listings116 | Listings3019 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Reviews SummaryG-Wagens aside, the now-discontinued M-Class is what cemented Mercedes-Benz’s place in the SUV jungle. The descendant of that pioneering model is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which continues as the automaker’s entry into a midsize luxury SUV segment populated by the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Lexus RX. Mercedes also sells a GLE Coupe that competes with the BMW X6. A new GLE 450 4Matic Coupe is available for 2025. Verdict: The GLE is a solid luxury SUV for families, but its competition is equally good. | |
2026 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space33.3 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight4806 lbs | Curb Weight4303 lbs |
Height70.8 in | Height69.6 in |
Length193.9 in | Length198.7 in |
Width84.9 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase117.9 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1676 lbs | Maximum Payload1467 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5950 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $61,850 | $38,465 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | G-Wagens aside, the now-discontinued M-Class is what cemented Mercedes-Benz’s place in the SUV jungle. The descendant of that pioneering model is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which continues as the automaker’s entry into a midsize luxury SUV segment populated by the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Genesis GV80, and Lexus RX. Mercedes also sells a GLE Coupe that competes with the BMW X6. A new GLE 450 4Matic Coupe is available for 2025. Verdict: The GLE is a solid luxury SUV for families, but its competition is equally good. | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 21 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 33.3 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4806 lbs | 4303 lbs |
Height | 70.8 in | 69.6 in |
Length | 193.9 in | 198.7 in |
Width | 84.9 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 117.9 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1676 lbs | 1467 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5950 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
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