2025 Dodge Durango vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Dodge Durango offered a wide price range, starting from approximately $43,000 for the base GT model with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, reaching nearly $100,000 for the SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive. The SRT Hellcat Premium model, equipped with the Silver Bullet special edition package, featured Triple Nickel paint and additional visual enhancements like a satin black hood and dark badges, bringing the MSRP to $115,315. Inside, the Durango SRT Hellcat maintained a subdued aesthetic with dark red premium Nappa leather seats and a mix of leather and suede materials, though some plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with prices ranging from $91,600 to $181,350. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels, exclusive paint colors, and premium interior materials, bringing the MSRP to $96,400. The GLS boasted high-quality materials and detailing, though some body creaks were noted on chilly mornings. The interior offered a tailored feel, with standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the luxurious atmosphere. The dual 12.3-inch displays provided a well-integrated infotainment experience, though the control layout required some acclimation.

The 2025 Dodge Durango streamlined its powertrain offerings, with the GT model featuring a 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, the R/T model a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, and the SRT Hellcat a 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard on the R/T and SRT Hellcat. The SRT Hellcat's engine delivered 645 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 180 mph. Despite its power, the Durango SRT Hellcat had poor fuel economy, rated at 12/17/13 mpg city/highway/combined. The SUV featured a full-time AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes, providing a track-ready feel with outstanding grip and braking capability.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Coupled with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, rated at 21 mpg combined, though observed at 19.4 mpg during testing. The SUV featured a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin and composed ride, though occasional delays in responsiveness were noted in Comfort mode.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in form and function, offering a roomy and comfortable interior with thoughtful features. The SRT Hellcat Premium model included heated and ventilated front seats with Nappa leather, though the performance seats lacked secure support during spirited driving. The second-row captain’s chairs provided good leg support, and the third-row seat offered ample room for adults. The Durango featured a large center console, rear climate controls, and a power liftgate with 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 85.1 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated front seats. The six-passenger setup included power-operated second-row captain’s chairs and a pass-through to the third row. Storage was limited, but the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 84.7 cubic feet. The GLS excelled in comfort and luxury, though some storage limitations were noted.

The 2025 Dodge Durango featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. The system included SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Dodge Connect, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The SRT Hellcat model came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system and SRT Performance Pages for tracking performance metrics. The voice recognition system worked well, though it required specificity for certain commands.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a navigation system with augmented reality. The standard Burmester surround-sound system provided excellent audio quality, with an optional high-end Burmester 3D audio system available. The GLS included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. The MBUX system was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands, though it occasionally misinterpreted requests.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with standard forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Upgrades included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a concerning performance in the IIHS small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist. The GLS featured parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a hands-on driver-assistance system. While the system required active driver participation, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience. Some braking behavior was noted as overly aggressive, but overall, the GLS offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.