Ford Explorer vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
Overview | |
MSRP$38,465 | MSRP$49,250 |
Listings1491 | Listings297 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
Reviews SummaryMercedes’ handsome compact SUV continues into the 2025 model year with a few revisions and a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. With just two powertrain options and a simplified array of trims, the GLC shows us that a simple-yet-measured approach makes it a strong candidate up against compact luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo. Verdict: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is a handsome and compelling new car fit for most duties. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City24 |
MPG Highway29 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.3 cu ft | Cargo Space21.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight4303 lbs | Curb Weight4167 lbs |
Height69.6 in | Height64.6 in |
Length198.7 in | Length185.7 in |
Width89.3 in | Width81.7 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase113.7 in |
Maximum Payload1467 lbs | Maximum Payload1256 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $38,465 | $49,250 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 8.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | Mercedes’ handsome compact SUV continues into the 2025 model year with a few revisions and a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant. With just two powertrain options and a simplified array of trims, the GLC shows us that a simple-yet-measured approach makes it a strong candidate up against compact luxury SUVs from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Lexus, Porsche, and Volvo. Verdict: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class is a handsome and compelling new car fit for most duties. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 24 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 32 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 255 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 24 |
MPG Highway | 29 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.3 cu ft | 21.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4303 lbs | 4167 lbs |
Height | 69.6 in | 64.6 in |
Length | 198.7 in | 185.7 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 81.7 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 113.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1467 lbs | 1256 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |

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