2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was tested during a significant snowstorm, showcasing its capability in harsh conditions. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder in Rock Creek trim handled the snow with ease. Its adventurous look was complemented by 18-inch beadlock-style wheels and a V-Motion grille with mesh pattern and contrasting trim. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder was a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance and protective skid plates. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a comfortable interior with cloth seats standard on lower trims and leatherette-and-cloth upholstery in the Rock Creek. The interior was generally good, with comfortable seats and solid material quality, though not cutting-edge in terms of technology.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, assembled in Alabama, offered nine versions in Canada, ranging from $85,400 to $172,400. Our test vehicle, the GLE 450, 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, including matte-finish wood and metallic accents. The cabin was equipped with sophisticated digital displays and a classy steering wheel. The GLE's standard suspension, however, allowed too much body motion, affecting its performance in city and mountain road driving. Despite its shortcomings, the GLE was a quiet and comfortable long-distance road tripper with decent fuel economy.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered 295 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, providing decisive shifts and unobtrusive operation. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 2,720 kilograms in the Platinum and Rock Creek trims, thanks to a transmission oil cooler. The Pathfinder's soft suspension was suitable for bumpy roads and light off-roading but resulted in a floaty ride on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 11.9 L/100 km in the city, 10.0 on the highway, and 11.1 combined.

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. The GLE's towing capacity was an impressive 3,500 kilograms. The standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting its performance in city and mountain road driving. The GLE's sport braking system performed well in mountain driving but felt grabby in typical driving situations. Fuel economy was 11.2 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offered ample interior space despite having less cargo capacity than some competitors. During a ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder provided enough space for passengers and gear. Cargo space was 470 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and 2,279 litres with both rows down. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control and comfortable seats, with 10-way power adjustment for the driver's seat in the Rock Creek trim. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's front seats were firm but comfortable, with features like "energizing seat kinetics" and ventilated front seats. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the windowsills. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports. The GLE offered 943 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,120 litres with the back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system was less impressive than some competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system in the Platinum trim. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. Voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with navigation available only on higher trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics, a biometric authentication system, and a digital voice assistant. 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 Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and ProPilot Assist. Traffic sign recognition was standard on higher trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and Pre-Safe Sound. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, but the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of writing.