What To Know
- The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the GLS gets 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
- In terms of crash test ratings, the Ford Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Mercedes GLS received a four-star overall safety rating.
- If you’re looking for a more luxurious and powerful SUV with a wealth of features, the Mercedes GLS is the better choice.
The Ford Explorer and Mercedes GLS are two of the most popular luxury SUVs on the market today. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, powerful engines, and a wealth of features. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Ford Explorer against the Mercedes GLS to see which one comes out on top.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
The Ford Explorer offers a range of engine options, including a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6, and a 3.3-liter naturally aspirated V6. The Mercedes GLS, on the other hand, comes standard with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine.
In terms of power, the Mercedes GLS has the edge. Its standard engine produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Explorer’s 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. However, the Explorer’s more efficient engines give it a slight advantage in fuel economy. The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the GLS gets 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
Interior: Comfort and Features
Both the Ford Explorer and Mercedes GLS offer a spacious and luxurious interior. The Explorer has a seating capacity of up to seven passengers, while the GLS can accommodate up to eight. Both vehicles come standard with leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
In terms of features, the Mercedes GLS has a clear advantage. It comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Burmester surround sound system, and a heads-up display. The Explorer, on the other hand, comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker sound system, and a rearview camera.
Safety: Protecting What Matters Most
The Ford Explorer and Mercedes GLS both come standard with a suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control. The Explorer also comes standard with a blind-spot monitoring system, while the GLS comes standard with a lane departure warning system.
In terms of crash test ratings, the Ford Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Mercedes GLS received a four-star overall safety rating. However, the GLS received a five-star rating for side crash protection, while the Explorer received only a four-star rating.
Off-Road Capability: Exploring the Great Outdoors
The Ford Explorer and Mercedes GLS are both capable off-road vehicles. The Explorer comes standard with four-wheel drive, while the GLS comes standard with rear-wheel drive. However, the GLS can be equipped with an optional four-wheel drive system.
In terms of ground clearance, the Explorer has a slight advantage. It offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, compared to the GLS’s 8.0 inches. However, the GLS has a better approach angle (30 degrees vs. 25 degrees) and a better departure angle (29 degrees vs. 23 degrees).
Price: Value for Your Money
The Ford Explorer has a starting price of $33,245, while the Mercedes GLS has a starting price of $76,000. This significant price difference is due to the GLS’s more powerful engine, more luxurious interior, and more advanced safety features.
Verdict: Which SUV is Right for You?
The Ford Explorer and Mercedes GLS are both excellent luxury SUVs with a lot to offer. The Explorer is a more affordable option that offers good fuel economy and a spacious interior. The GLS, on the other hand, is a more luxurious and powerful SUV that comes with a wealth of features.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable SUV with good fuel economy, the Ford Explorer is a great option. If you’re looking for a more luxurious and powerful SUV with a wealth of features, the Mercedes GLS is the better choice.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Factors to Consider
In addition to the factors we’ve discussed in this comparison, there are a few other things you may want to consider before making a decision. These include:
- Brand reputation: Ford and Mercedes are both well-known and respected brands. However, Mercedes has a reputation for being more luxurious and prestigious.
- Dealer network: Ford has a larger dealer network than Mercedes, which means it may be easier to find a dealer near you.
- Warranty: The Ford Explorer comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, while the Mercedes GLS comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one you prefer.
Unwavering Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: Our Promise
At our dealership, we are dedicated to providing our customers with an exceptional experience. We understand that buying a new car is a big decision, and we want to make sure that you’re completely satisfied with your purchase.
That’s why we offer a no-hassle return policy. If you’re not happy with your new vehicle for any reason, you can simply return it within a certain period of time for a full refund.
We also offer a wide range of financing options to make it easy for you to afford the vehicle you want. Our experienced finance team will work with you to find a loan that fits your budget and needs.
So if you’re looking for a new Ford Explorer or Mercedes GLS, visit our dealership today. We’re confident that you’ll find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget.
Questions You May Have
- Q: Which SUV has a better fuel economy, the Ford Explorer or the Mercedes GLS?
A: The Ford Explorer has a better fuel economy than the Mercedes GLS. The Explorer gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, while the GLS gets 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
- Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine, the Ford Explorer or the Mercedes GLS?
A: The Mercedes GLS has a more powerful engine than the Ford Explorer. The GLS’s standard engine produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Explorer’s 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior, the Ford Explorer or the Mercedes GLS?
A: The Ford Explorer and Mercedes GLS both have spacious interiors. The Explorer has a seating capacity of up to seven passengers, while the GLS can accommodate up to eight.
- Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating, the Ford Explorer or the Mercedes GLS?
A: The Ford Explorer received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Mercedes GLS received a four-star overall safety rating. However, the GLS received a five-star rating for side crash protection, while the Explorer received only a four-star rating.
- Q: Which SUV has a better warranty, the Ford Explorer or the Mercedes GLS?
A: The Mercedes GLS has a better warranty than the Ford Explorer. The GLS comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, while the Explorer comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.