2025 Buick Enclave vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Buick Enclave presented a bold and modern design, reminiscent of the automaker's compact crossover, the Envista. Its front end featured slim DRLs, a large angular grille, and a high beltline, giving it a sharp appearance. While the side profile was somewhat generic, the Enclave's overall look was more refined and less cluttered than its predecessor. The vehicle's design included fewer creases, a flatter roof, and slightly sharpened wheel arches. Standard 20-inch wheels adorned the base and Sport Touring trims, with the latter featuring unique High Gloss Black accents. The top-tier Avenir trim boasted 22-inch wheels with a special "Avenir Pearl Nickel" finish.

Inside, the Enclave exuded a modern and premium feel, with a floating center console and a large curved display that echoed the futuristic vibe of electric vehicles. The Sport Touring test car's seats were trimmed in perforated leatherette with contrast piping, enhancing the interior's upscale ambiance. However, the limited availability of a panoramic sunroof was a drawback, as it was only standard on the top trim. This packaging decision was more expected from the less expensive Chevy Traverse, but Buick's near-luxury positioning suggested it should align more closely with Cadillac offerings.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a wide range of versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE 350 was the least expensive model, featuring rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe came with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the standard GLE body style, specifically the GLE 450, which featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e model, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range.

The GLE 450 came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the base GLE 350. Our test vehicle included the Exclusive Package and the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, with an MSRP of $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package with blacked-out trim, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa premium leather, and the Driver Assistance Package. Despite its luxurious features, the GLE's Moonlight White Magno paint highlighted its egg-on-wheels styling. While the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline improved the design, the standard GLE's exterior was considered bland. However, the interior was elegantly detailed, with quality materials, matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays.

The 2025 Buick Enclave was powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, with the latter costing an additional $2,000. The Enclave's fuel economy was slightly affected by the AWD option, dropping from 23 to 21 mpg combined. The vehicle could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Buick offered two versions of Active Noise Cancellation, with the road noise-targeting iteration standard across all trims. However, the engine noise cancellation was standard only on the top trim, and its absence was noticeable in our test vehicle. The Enclave's turbo engine was loud and tended to rev more than expected, making the active engine noise cancellation a recommended upgrade for sensitive drivers.

The Enclave was classified as a mid-size crossover but drove like a full-size vehicle, with a noticeable bulk from behind the wheel. The steering was loose at slower speeds, with significant play in the wheel. While this might be a drawback for sports car enthusiasts, it was not a major concern for those shopping in this class. The Enclave's driving dynamics were comparable to competitors like the Mazda CX-90.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It also featured Downhill Speed Regulation, an off-road data panel, and a "transparent hood" camera view for improved terrain visibility.

Despite its capabilities, the GLE 450's standard suspension allowed too much unwanted body motion in various driving situations. The city ride was too soft, with excessive lateral rocking, while higher speeds on mountain roads caused bouncing and unsettling mid-curve pavement imperfections. The AMG styling and 21-inch wheels did not match the chassis's performance. In Comfort mode, the steering felt numb and overassisted, while Dynamic mode firmed things up but remained anesthetized. The sport braking system performed well during spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission's downshifts were noticeable. However, the GLE was a comfortable long-distance road tripper, with a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, achieving 21 mpg combined.

The 2025 Buick Enclave offered eight-way power adjustability for the driver's seat and six-way for the front passenger's seat. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, accommodating up to seven passengers. Heated steering wheel and front seats were standard, with the Avenir trim adding heated second-row seats and front-row ventilation. The Avenir also featured a two-position memory function, available as an add-on for lower trims. Tri-zone climate control was standard, with middle-row passengers having control over their temperature settings. The top trim included a one-touch power feature for folding and sliding the second-row seats, available as an option for lower trims. The power-folding third-row seats formed a 60/40 split bench, manually folded in lower trims. The AutoSense liftgate opened with proximity, revealing 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 57.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.5 cubic feet with both rear rows down.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's front seats were firm yet comfortable, featuring heating and "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats, while the Manufaktur Edition Package upgraded to genuine Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy, with generous legroom and headroom, though the seating position was low relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports and power-adjustable second-row seats. The GLE offered thoughtful storage, a power rear liftgate, and 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat. Maximum cargo volume was 74.9 cubic feet with the 40/20/40-split back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with a large spare tire and hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2025 Buick Enclave's technology offerings highlighted its premium positioning. A large curved display, standard across all trims, integrated the infotainment display and digital gauge cluster. However, smartphone projection interrupted the seamless appearance. A 12-speaker Bose Premium audio system was standard, with the Avenir trim featuring a 16-speaker Bose Performance system. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with Google Built-In providing native apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wi-Fi hotspot capability and wired charging with two USB ports per row were also standard.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The setup offered lush graphics and minimal reflections, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The digital voice assistant performed well, except for an issue with hospital navigation. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and augmented-reality video for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and one year of Mercedes Digital Extras were standard. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2025 Buick Enclave prioritized safety with advanced driver-assistance tech, including blind-zone steering assist, intersection automatic emergency braking, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. HD Surround Vision with seven camera views was standard, with an option to increase to nine. Adaptive cruise control was standard, while a head-up display was optional for all but the top trim. GM's Teen Driver technology and Super Cruise, a highway hands-free driving system, were available. Super Cruise required a subscription after three years, with driver-attention assist and enhanced automatic park assist included. The 2025 Enclave had not been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2024 model scored well in most IIHS tests and earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Pre-Safe Sound, unique to Mercedes, protected occupants' hearing during a collision. Parking aids included front and rear sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a semi-automated parking system. The $1,950 Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, evasive steering assist, and front cross-traffic braking assist. Active Emergency Stop Assist and a touch-sensing steering wheel rim were notable features. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature and automated lane-change assist functioned inconsistently. The GLE had not been rated by NHTSA, but IIHS named it a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025.