2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was tested in challenging snowy conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, where its Rock Creek trim proved advantageous. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder handled the snowstorm with ease. Its adventurous look was complemented by 18-inch beadlock-style wheels and a V-Motion grille with contrasting trim. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder remained a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or protective skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim featured leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange logos, and while the interior was comfortable, it lacked cutting-edge technology.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, available in ten versions, offered a range of luxury features and performance capabilities. Our test vehicle, the GLE 450, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The Manufaktur Edition Package added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and Nappa leather, enhancing the vehicle's luxurious feel. Despite its bland exterior, the GLE's interior was elegantly detailed with quality materials and sophisticated digital displays. The GLE's standard suspension, however, allowed too much body motion, affecting its performance on various road surfaces. The vehicle's technology, including the MBUX infotainment system, was impressive, though some features like the route-based speed-adjustment were problematic.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim offering 295 horsepower. Despite the higher output, the Rock Creek's performance was similar to other trims due to its all-terrain tires. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Rock Creek's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with a transmission oil cooler. The Pathfinder's soft suspension was ideal for light off-roading but resulted in a floaty ride on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with seven drive modes enhancing traction in various conditions.

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. Its towing capacity was an impressive 7,700 pounds. The GLE's standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting its performance in city and mountain driving. The steering was numb in Comfort mode, and the brakes felt grabby in typical driving situations. The GLE's fuel economy was 21 mpg combined, matching the EPA's estimate. Despite its power, accessing the GLE's performance was hindered by the automatic engine stop/start system and delayed transmission downshifts.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offered ample interior space despite having less cargo capacity than some competitors. During a ski trip with four adults, the Pathfinder comfortably accommodated passengers and gear. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, with three-zone climate control and supportive seats. The Rock Creek trim featured captain's chairs and a removable center console in the second row, while the EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interior was luxurious, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring "energizing seat kinetics" and Nappa leather. The back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, though the seating position was low. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE's cargo space measured 33.3 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions and a large spare tire under the load floor added to the GLE's practicality.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology lagged behind competitors, with an older infotainment system compared to other Nissans. The interface was user-friendly, with physical buttons and rotary knobs, but the screen sizes were smaller than rivals. A 6-speaker stereo was standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless projection was limited. Voice recognition, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM were standard, while navigation was only available on higher trims. A 12.3-inch driver-information display and head-up display were exclusive to the Platinum trim.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics, biometric authentication, and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound system and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM and Mercedes Digital Extras. The GLE's technology was impressive, though some features like the route-based speed-adjustment were problematic.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control was standard on all but the base trim, and ProPilot Assist was available. Traffic sign recognition was standard on higher trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech was limited, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist and touch-sensing steering wheel rim were noteworthy. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, but its front-crash prevention tech earned low ratings.