2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, evolved from the GL-Class, which debuted in 2006. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GL-Class instead found its niche among affluent families seeking a luxurious, spacious alternative to the Navigator and Escalade. The GLS name was adopted midway through the second generation. Despite its size, the 2021 GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and clever design elements. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen covering two-thirds of the dashboard, emphasizing its tech-centric controls.

The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features on the GLS 450 encompassed remote keyless entry, remote start, nine USB ports, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. Additional amenities included wireless device charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 13-speaker Burmester premium sound system. Various option packages enhanced comfort and convenience, while the GLS 580 added V8 power and more luxurious features. The AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive styling, a performance-inspired interior, and a powerful engine.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, part of Ford's SUV lineup, shared a family resemblance with its siblings, the Escape, Edge, and Expedition. The Explorer's exterior design featured sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive grilles, varying by trim level. The six trim levels ranged from the base model to the luxurious Platinum, with prices spanning from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, the Explorer offered three rows of seating, with cloth upholstery on the base model and more luxurious materials on higher trims. The dashboard featured a clean design with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and large, user-friendly controls.

The Explorer's most popular trim, the XLT, accounted for 56% of sales and included upgraded features like a power front passenger seat and a 6.5-inch instrument panel screen. Leather upholstery became standard on the mid-tier Limited trim and higher. The Explorer's interior provided ample legroom for second-row passengers, though the third row was less spacious. Despite its size, the Explorer offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in use, though its overall cargo volume was less impressive compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, 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 used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. 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 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque when needed.

The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Its adaptive air suspension system adjusted ground clearance between 7.9 and 8.5 inches, enhancing cornering and obstacle clearance. The GLS 63's double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provided precise handling. Multiple drive-mode settings, including Individual, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed drivers to customize throttle response, transmission mapping, suspension stiffness, steering feel, and exhaust mode. The GLS's E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth ride, even on rough roads.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base model featured a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Despite its 4,345-pound weight, the Explorer's engine outperformed some competitors. All trims used a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift capability. The Explorer Limited Hybrid offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain, increasing power to 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims featured a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the sport-oriented Explorer ST offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.

The Explorer excelled in towing capacity, with a range of 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on trim and options. This made it suitable for towing trailers and other heavy loads, though it was not exceptional in its class. The Explorer's performance focused more on practicality and utility than engaging driving dynamics, making it a reliable choice for families and those needing towing capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Standard seven-passenger seating could be reduced to six with optional second-row captain's chairs. The front-row seats featured door-mounted controls, while the rear seats provided plenty of space. The third row, though less spacious, accommodated full-size adults comfortably. The GLS boasted 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded. With both the second and third rows folded, total cargo space reached 87.4 cubic feet.

The GLS's interior included numerous storage compartments, spacious in-door bins, and a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad. The center console, with butterfly doors, offered limited storage space. The GLS's cargo space was competitive within its class, though the Cadillac Escalade provided more overall cargo capacity.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base model seated seven, while other trims featured second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to six. The Explorer offered 39 inches of legroom for second-row passengers, comparable to some competitors but less than others like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. With the third row deployed, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space. However, its overall cargo volume of 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded was less impressive compared to some rivals.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a large touch screen and a trackpad controller. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connectivity. The MBUX voice-control system responded to commands like "Find me a gas station" or "find me a seafood restaurant." The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The system offered various display options, though it required a learning curve.

The 2021 Ford Explorer's base trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, HD radio, and an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen with up to 14 speakers. The Explorer provided multiple charging options, including USB ports and 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

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 standard safety features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera system, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Optional safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. The Explorer's base trim included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features through the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, a forward sensing system, rain-sensing wipers, and speed sign recognition.