2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was a testament to Chevrolet's knack for crafting visually appealing SUVs, with its exterior styling drawing praise across the board. Inside, the Traverse continued this trend with digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system that offered an attractive layout. However, the quality of materials used in the interior left much to be desired. The hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather failed to emulate the luxury expected in a vehicle of its price range, which was a disappointment for those seeking a more premium feel.

The Traverse offered a range of trims, including the LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices starting at $41,095 and reaching up to $55,495. The Z71 trim, which was the off-road version, came with additional features such as Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and enhanced driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its appealing design and features, the Traverse's interior materials did not match its exterior allure.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a wide range of versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500. The GLE 350, the most affordable model, featured rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe boasted a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. Our focus was on the GLE 450, which came equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450's MSRP was $79,100, including destination charges, and it featured the Exclusive Package and the Manufaktur Edition Package.

The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package with blacked-out trim, among other features. Despite its impressive features, the GLE's exterior design was criticized for its egg-like styling, although the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline was an exception. Inside, the GLE 450's cabin was elegantly detailed with quality materials, including matte-finish wood and Nappa premium leather. The interior was a testament to luxury, with sophisticated digital displays and a classy steering wheel, making it clear that the GLE was a high-end SUV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it delivered ample power, allowing the Traverse to accelerate rapidly, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, featured an off-road suspension, increasing ground clearance to 7.7 inches, and came equipped with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, and red tow hooks. The Z71's performance on trails was commendable, with the suspension handling rough terrain effectively.

The Traverse Z71 offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, although the driving experience was not particularly sporty. The vehicle's size was noticeable, especially on narrow roads, and the all-terrain tires provided a smoother ride during daily commutes. The Traverse Z71 achieved an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving, and during testing, it averaged 21.5 mpg.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, generating 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds, a notable figure for a luxury SUV. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, impacting the driving experience.

In Comfort mode, the steering felt overassisted, while Dynamic mode offered firmer handling. The GLE 450's brakes 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. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 provided a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, matching the EPA's 21 mpg rating during testing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a spacious interior, with ample room for front-seat occupants and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, while our test vehicle had captain's chairs for added comfort. However, the lack of side window shades and third-row USB charging ports was a drawback.

The Traverse provided 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 56.6 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row laid flat. Folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the Traverse's interior space was commendable for its class.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comfortable and quiet cabin, with firm front seats featuring "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather upholstery. The back seat was roomy, with generous legroom and headroom, although the seating position was low relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding USB-C charging ports and power-adjustable second-row seats.

The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, with a maximum of 74.9 cubic feet when the back seat was folded down. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, and a cargo cover, with additional storage space under the load floor.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice recognition, and access to the Google Play Store. The system also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The large touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, although the lack of a tuning knob was a minor inconvenience.

An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered various views, and the test vehicle included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system. These features enhanced the Traverse's technology offerings, making it a standout in its class.

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 system offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality video for navigation.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming, enhancing the GLE's technology offerings.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition, while the Enhanced Driving Package included the hands-free Super Cruise driving assist system.

Super Cruise offered hands-free driving on more roads than ever before, although it had occasional issues on certain freeway transitions. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist was a notable feature, automatically stopping the vehicle in case of driver unresponsiveness.

The GLE's driver aids were not without flaws, with the route-based speed-adjustment feature causing frustration. The GLE had not received a safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS awarded it a "Top Safety Pick+" for 2025.