2025 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued the design evolution initiated in its previous redesign, maintaining its rear-wheel-drive platform that contributed to its balanced proportions and sleek appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to the modern aesthetic. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements, with upgraded materials, colors, and displays that enhanced the overall ambiance. Ford streamlined the trim levels, offering four options: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the destination charge.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a luxurious experience with its range of models, including the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600. Prices spanned from $91,600 to $181,350, including a $1,350 destination charge. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured the new Manufaktur Edition Package, adding AMG wheels, styling packages, and exclusive interior upgrades. The GLS boasted high-quality materials and detailing, though some body creaks were noted in colder conditions. The interior offered a variety of leather options and trim materials, with standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the atmosphere. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a focus on comfort and ease of handling in urban settings.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims, except the ST, came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST and optional Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, catering to various driving conditions. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's performance was commendable, with quick acceleration and responsive handling, especially with the ST-Line Street Package's larger wheels and performance brakes.

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. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive, it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, and Sport, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The GLS 450 achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined, though observed fuel economy was slightly lower at 19.4 mpg. The GLS provided a smooth and refined driving experience, with a focus on comfort and handling, though some responsiveness issues were noted in Comfort mode.

The 2025 Ford Explorer accommodated six passengers in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and the Premium Package, which added ambient lighting, massaging front seats, and more. The Explorer's front and second-row seats were comfortable, though the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger option featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system and heated and ventilated seats. The Manufaktur Edition Package added fabric pillows to the front-seat head restraints, though they were not favored. The third-row seat offered good thigh support, though legroom was snug. Cargo space measured 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded, slightly less than some competitors.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and higher trims boasting 14 speakers and 980 watts of power. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Google Assistant providing reliable voice command functionality.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system with augmented reality. The GLS came with a standard Burmester surround-sound system, with an optional high-end audio upgrade. Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was easy to use, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands, though it occasionally struggled with specific requests.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came equipped with Ford CoPilot 360+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, which included a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with tighter curves and heavy traffic. The 2025 Explorer had not yet received full safety ratings from the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLS featured a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, though it required active driver participation. The system occasionally struggled with curves and braking behavior, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience. Rear-seat side-impact airbags were optional, and the GLS lacked hands-free highway driver-assistance technology.