2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer lineup included eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and the new ST-Line added a sporty look to the popular XLT version. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. However, its rear-drive platform allowed for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly looking and feeling worthy of its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover, with changes to the headlights and taillights being the most noticeable. The front grille featured clever Mercedes star logos, and LED headlights were standard, with multi-beam LED headlights optional. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and rode on sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added $1,100 to the price. The GLE offered a choice of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, with seven wheel designs and 10 exterior colors available. Inside, our GLE 450e tester exuded class and luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery and natural grain brown walnut trim, adding $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the sticker price. Mercedes offered 10 interior color choices and five trims, making the GLE's cabin one of the highest quality and most robust-looking in its segment.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The Explorer Limited offered an efficient hybrid drivetrain based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, making a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and 21 mpg in combined driving. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer felt robust and athletic, with a traditional SUV feel and capable off-road performance, despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. Our GLE 450e tester featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, developing a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated 40-mile electric-only driving range. The transition from gas to electric power was almost undetectable, and the transmission was seamless. The GLE 450e's suspension absorbed bumps and ruts effortlessly, and its sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e's performance exceeded expectations, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided plenty of comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. However, the third-row seat was only suitable for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. Our King Ranch test vehicle featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space within the cabin could have been better, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered plenty of comfort and space for adults in the first and second rows, with seating for five. The cabin had a light and airy feel, thanks to the light beige upholstery, and outward visibility was excellent. Behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row was 33 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was only suitable for young children. Our GLE 450e test vehicle came with power-adjustable heated front seats with memory function, dual-zone climate control, a power tilt/sliding sunroof, MX-Tex faux leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, heated and cooled front cupholders, and a panoramic power tilt and sliding sunroof.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen looked like an afterthought. Our test vehicle had the full menu of Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch also featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system had significant limitations, particularly with voice recognition. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the Explorer. An available rear-seat entertainment system came with dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a pair of 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, as was an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up instrument display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel could be accidentally activated, causing the music volume to increase unexpectedly. Overall, the MBUX system was feature-rich and required a learning curve but was easy to operate once familiar.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all versions. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the previous year’s model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which received four stars. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features with Co-Pilot360 Assist+ included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. Overall, the Co-Pilot360 and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ systems worked well, though the steering wheel sensitivity to the driver’s hands could be improved.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Our GLE 450e test vehicle was equipped with the optional Driver Assistance package, adding active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and did not over-react to sudden braking or imperfect lane markings. The Driver Assistance package was highly recommended for its added safety.