2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$51,200 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Acura MDX bursts onto the scene prioritizing balanced luxury and accessible performance with 290 hp, starting at an attractive $51,200 MSRP. It keeps things tight with a 198.4-inch length and a standard FWD setup. Conversely, the stunning 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe screams high-octane drama, boasting a potent 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque from its standard AWD platform. This commanding presence comes at a cost, commanding a $77,250 MSRP, a significant $26,050 premium over the Acura. While the GLE Coupe delivers 85 more horsepower, it sacrifices practical utility; the Acura offers superior cargo space at 18.1 cu ft versus the Mercedes' 31.6 cu ft, though the GLE Coupe's more aggressive profile dictates its shape. Fuel economy is nearly a wash, with the MDX netting 22 combined MPG versus the GLE Coupe's 21 combined MPG, despite requiring the same premium fuel.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX wins for commuters due to its significantly lower $51,200 MSRP compared to the GLE Coupe's $77,250 price tag.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offers substantially more usable space for family gear with 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The GLE Coupe offers a more thrilling driving experience thanks to its dominant 375 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2025 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX provides a compelling entry point into luxury crossover ownership with a $26,050 price advantage over the Mercedes.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Your budget is firm, as the 2025 Acura MDX starts nearly $26,050 less than its rival.
You prefer the established stability of a front-wheel-drive platform for daily driving.
You need a more traditionally shaped cargo area, even if the volume specs seem close.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

You demand explosive acceleration, leveraging the GLE Coupe's superior 375 hp.
All-wheel drive security is essential for your typical driving conditions.
You prioritize maximizing cargo space with 31.6 cu ft available in the Mercedes.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Acura MDX	Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Length	198.4"	194.5"
Width	78.7"	79.3"
Height	67.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	113.8"	115.6"

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	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	290 hp @ 6200 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Acura	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.5/481.0 mi.	427.5/562.5 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 Extended
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	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.5 in	20 x 9.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R19	275/50R20
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
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 Coupe.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe than the 2025 Acura MDX?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe boasts a significant power advantage, producing 375 hp from its powertrain, which is exactly 85 more horsepower than the Acura MDX's 290 hp.

Does the difference in MSRP justify the performance gap between these two crossovers?

The GLE Coupe demands a $77,250 MSRP for its extra performance and AWD, whereas the MDX starts at $51,200, making the Acura the much better value proposition for shoppers on a stricter budget.

Which vehicle offers better practical cargo hauling capability?

Despite its sleeker profile, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe wins on sheer capacity, offering 31.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, significantly larger than the MDX’s 18.1 cubic feet.

Are there major differences in fuel economy or fuel requirements?

Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, and their efficiency is very close; the MDX is slightly ahead at 22 combined MPG versus the GLE Coupe's 21 combined MPG.

What is the core drivetrain distinction between the MDX and the GLE Coupe?

The 2025 Acura MDX is equipped with a front-wheel-drive setup paired with a 10-speed automatic, while the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe comes standard with performance-oriented All-Wheel Drive and a 9-speed automatic.

If I prioritize handling over outright power, which 10-speed vs 9-speed transmission might be better?

While both use shiftable automatics, the Acura's 10-speed transmission is geared more towards smooth, efficient shifts for its FWD layout, whereas the GLE Coupe's 9-speed is tuned to manage its greater torque output of 369 lb-ft.