2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle yet impactful aesthetic updates. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares, added a touch of modernity. The grille, enhanced with chrome inserts, contributed to its refined look. The optional AMG Line package provided a sportier exterior with a distinct grille and larger wheel options. Inside, the cabin maintained a classic Mercedes-Benz feel with luxurious leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of Bahia Brown seating and walnut trim in our tester gave it a dated appearance, reminiscent of a 1970s rec room.

In contrast, the 2025 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design evolution with a refreshed front end that appeared wider and more rugged. The rear featured new LED taillights and a trim strip connecting them. Interior updates significantly improved the ambiance, making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the trim levels to four, including the new base Active trim and the sporty ST-Line. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding destination charges. During a driving event, the ST-Line with RWD and additional packages showcased its stylish appeal.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. Our test vehicle, the 450e plug-in hybrid, delivered 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, it was slightly slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its battery weight. The 450e could travel up to 55 miles on electric power and featured a smooth transition between electric and gas modes. However, its driving dynamics were less sporty compared to rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower for the ST and optional on the Platinum trim. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, with 4WD as an option. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's powertrain provided quick acceleration and responsive handling, especially in Sport mode. The ST-Line Street Package added larger wheels and performance brakes, enhancing its driving experience on winding roads.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxury, offering heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with heated and cooled cup holders. The cabin was quiet, featuring ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. However, the sun visors were non-extendable, which was a minor inconvenience. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and offered 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a Premium Package with ambient lighting and massaging seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable, but the third row was less suitable for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than some Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, featuring voice control and a touchpad. The augmented reality navigation system was a standout feature. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had connectivity issues during testing.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, and wireless smartphone integration. The system was intuitive, with Google Maps and app downloads available. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring a 10-speaker setup, while higher trims had a 14-speaker system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and an optional Driver Assistance Package Plus. This package included adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The GLE received high safety ratings, with a five-star side crash rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured Ford CoPilot 360+ with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. Higher trims included BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. During testing, BlueCruise performed well, though it occasionally struggled with large trucks. The Explorer had not been fully rated by NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.