2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Ford Edge

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that evolved from the original GL-Class. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS found its niche among affluent families seeking a more practical yet opulent alternative to the likes of the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS's design was more refined and less imposing than its predecessors, featuring softened angles and lines that gave it a sleeker appearance. Inside, the GLS boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its tech-centric controls. Available in three trims—GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63—the GLS offered a range of standard features, including remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. Various option packages allowed for further customization, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Ford Edge maintained its refreshed look from 2019, aligning with Ford's contemporary design language while retaining its original body shell. This resulted in a cleaner aesthetic compared to competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Edge's interior, however, began to show its age, with a design that struggled to keep pace with new features like a larger touchscreen. The Edge Titanium trim added chrome accents, while the ST trim featured a blacked-out grille and sporty enhancements. Despite its dated interior, the Edge remained competitive in terms of space, offering ample rear-seat headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity was also commendable, though slightly behind rivals like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the GLS 450's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 upgraded to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. All engines included Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding extra power and aiding turbocharger spool-up. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Its adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes provided a dynamic driving experience, while E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth ride over rough roads.

The 2021 Ford Edge primarily featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Edge ST performance model boasted an EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6, delivering 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane fuel, with standard AWD and model-specific suspension tuning. Despite some skepticism about the ST badge on an SUV, the Edge ST provided a sporty driving experience, though not quite on par with performance SUVs like the Porsche Macan. The Edge's towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the base FWD model to 4,525 pounds for the V6-powered ST, respectable but slightly behind competitors like the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS boasted 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with it folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. This was slightly less than the previous GLS model but competitive within the full-size luxury SUV class. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad.

The 2021 Ford Edge excelled in interior space, offering the most rear-seat headroom among two-row midsize crossovers and generous legroom in both rows. It provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with them folded, trailing only the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. A foot-activated power liftgate was available on higher trims. The Edge's rotary shift knob aimed to free up console space, but the narrow console limited its effectiveness. A storage nook below the raised console offered additional space, though its location made it less accessible.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system, with a large touchscreen and a trackpad for navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connectivity. The MBUX system's voice control, activated by saying "Mercedes" or "Hey Mercedes," allowed for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, offering customizable display options.

The 2021 Ford Edge came equipped with Ford's Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It included Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Edge ST added a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The Sync 4 system's simple graphics and menu layouts were user-friendly, and the Edge's four USB ports, including a rear USB-C, provided ample connectivity options.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with numerous driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Ford Edge earned an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" designation, with top ratings in crash tests and front crash prevention tech. However, it received lower ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention, LATCH ease of use, and headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Edge a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were standard on all but the base trim.