2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$51,200 · Crossover

$61,850 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial metric separating the 2025 Acura MDX and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the MDX starting at $51,200 compared to the GLE-Class's $61,850, a difference of $10,650. Performance metrics show the MDX producing a higher 290 horsepower versus the GLE-Class's 255 hp, though the Mercedes counters with superior torque at 295 lb-ft against the Acura's 267 lb-ft. Fuel economy remains close, with the GLE-Class edging out slightly at 23 combined MPG compared to the MDX's 22 combined MPG. Furthermore, the GLE-Class offers substantially more utility, boasting 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity, nearly double the MDX's 18.1 cu ft. The Acura is slightly longer at 198.4 inches versus the Mercedes' 194.3 inches, indicating a difference in overall footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class achieves slightly better fuel economy with 23 combined MPG and a 21/28 City/Highway split compared to the MDX's 19/26.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class provides substantially greater practicality for families, offering 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX offers superior peak output with 290 horsepower, beating the GLE-Class's 255 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins on value by offering a $10,650 lower starting MSRP while providing 35 more horsepower.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize immediate horsepower, as the MDX produces 290 hp compared to the GLE's 255 hp.
Budget is a primary concern, given the $51,200 MSRP is $10,650 less than the competitor.
You prefer a slightly longer vehicle structure at 198.4 inches for potential interior length benefits.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...

Maximum storage space is critical, highlighted by the GLE-Class's 33.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
You value higher torque figures for low-end responsiveness, as the GLE outputs 295 lb-ft versus 267 lb-ft.
Slightly better efficiency is desired, with the GLE achieving 23 combined MPG versus 22 for the MDX.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Length	198.4"	194.3"
Width	78.7"	76.7"
Height	67.9"	70.7"
Wheelbase	113.8"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.5 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	11	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	6 months

Power Feature

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	38.5 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	59.3 in.	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.5 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.3 in.	58.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.8 in.	59.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	255/50R19
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura MDX and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class.

How do the transmissions compare between the 2025 MDX and GLE-Class?

The Acura MDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting potentially quicker shifts for performance driving. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Is the fuel requirement significantly different for these premium crossovers?

Yes, the Acura MDX recommends premium unleaded fuel, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class mandates premium unleaded fuel, which can impact long-term running costs.

Which vehicle has a greater overall footprint based on dimensions?

The 2025 Acura MDX is longer at 198.4 inches compared to the GLE-Class's 194.3 inches. However, the GLE-Class is notably taller at 70.7 inches versus the MDX's 67.9 inches.

Does the base drivetrain configuration differ significantly?

The standard drivetrain configurations differ by axle motivation: the 2025 Acura MDX comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), whereas the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class features a rear-wheel drive (RWD) base configuration.

What is the impact of the torque difference on driving dynamics?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the MDX's 267 lb-ft, suggesting the GLE may feel stronger when accelerating from a stop or when carrying heavier loads, despite having lower peak horsepower.

How substantial is the base MSRP gap between the two models?

The difference in starting MSRP is significant, costing $10,650 more to acquire the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ($61,850) than the 2025 Acura MDX ($51,200).