2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

Despite a rich history and lengthy pedigree, the Nissan Pathfinder has struggled to compete against the most popular three-row crossover SUVs. That’s perplexing, as the Pathfinder offers excellent cargo capacity, comfortable seating, and a modern design, and it does it all at a competitive price. Slight updates for the 2025 model year are unlikely to vault the Pathfinder ahead of competitors like the Honda Pilot or Kia Telluride, but they nonetheless help make this attractive SUV even more appealing.

Verdict: The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is missing the single killer app to put it clear ahead of competitors. Instead, it offers a beautifully well-rounded package, with no single area likely to let shoppers down, even if there’s no single area likely to wow them, either. An ideal workhorse for both adventurous and budget-friendly families, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder delivers a solid, reliable experience across all aspects of ownership.

Mercedes introduced the ML-Class in the late 1990s, a blobby-looking luxury SUV focused on on-road comfort. Almost 30 years later, the GLE — the ML’s replacement — follows that model’s founding formula but with modern powertrains and technology. The 2026 GLE is available in standard and “coupe” body styles equipped with four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines. For the 2026 model year, the six-cylinder GLE 450 features a standard AMG Line exterior design.

Verdict: The midsize Mercedes GLE is the second most popular model the company sells in North America (behind the smaller GLC crossover SUV). That’s easy to understand given consumer preferences for SUVs and the GLE’s overall appeal. Still, it is time for Mercedes to redesign this model.