2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$51,200 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX launches with a punchy 290 horsepower from its V6, offering spirited performance right out of the gate, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with a more torque-rich 295 lb-ft, despite having a lower 255 hp output. The MDX grabs attention with its aggressive styling and standard 10-speed automatic paired with FWD, inviting drivers to enjoy its responsiveness. Conversely, the slightly more compact GLE focuses on poise and luxury, featuring a standard RWD setup and achieving marginally better efficiency at 23 combined MPG versus the MDX's 22. The $11,050 gap in MSRP—$51,200 for the Acura versus $62,250 for the Mercedes—is significant. While the MDX boasts a stronger engine score on paper, the GLE offers substantially more utility with 33.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft. This comparison pits accessible power against premium refinement and superior capacity.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 GLE provides superior fuel economy at 23 combined MPG and mandates a lower grade of fuel compared to the MDX's premium recommendation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE delivers substantially more hauling capability with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX wins enthusiast favor with its superior 290 hp and more dynamic 10-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The 2025 Acura MDX is the clear value leader, priced $11,050 less than the Mercedes-Benz GLE while still offering 290 horsepower.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

You prioritize sheer engine output, as the MDX boasts 290 horsepower.
You want to save money upfront, with an MSRP of $51,200.
You prefer a highly responsive drivetrain paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

Maximum cargo utility is essential, thanks to its huge 33.3 cu ft capacity.
You prefer the lower baseline torque of 295 lb-ft for city driving responsiveness.
You desire better base efficiency, achieving 28 MPG on the highway.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Mercedes-Benz GLE
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 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

What is the main performance difference between the 2025 MDX and the 2026 GLE?

The Acura MDX leads in raw power, producing 290 horsepower, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLE focuses on low-end pull with 295 lb-ft of torque, even though its peak horsepower is lower at 255 hp.

How much larger is the 2026 GLE's cargo area compared to the 2025 MDX?

The 2026 GLE offers significantly more room, boasting 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This dwarfs the 2025 MDX's 18.1 cubic feet, making the GLE far better for hauling gear.

Is the price difference between these two crossovers significant?

Yes, the difference is substantial: the 2025 Acura MDX starts at $51,200, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE begins at $62,250, creating an $11,050 spread.

Which crossover is better on fuel for highway driving?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is marginally more efficient on the highway, achieving 28 MPG compared to the 2025 MDX's 26 MPG rating.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Both recommend or require premium unleaded fuel; however, the 2025 Acura MDX lists it as 'recommended,' while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE lists it as 'required.'

How does the transmission setup differ between the two models?

The 2025 Acura MDX utilizes a more advanced 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, contrasted with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's 9-speed shiftable automatic.