2025 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$57,400 · SUV

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Expedition bursts onto the scene as the undisputed powerhouse, launching 400 horsepower and a muscular 480 lb-ft of torque, establishing its dominance over the sleek 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, which offers a more modest 255 horsepower. While the Expedition's $57,400 starting MSRP undercuts the GLE's $62,250 sticker price by $4,850, this brute strength comes at a cost to efficiency: the Expedition manages only 18 Combined MPG, significantly trailing the GLE's superior 23 Combined MPG rating. Furthermore, the GLE is an agile performer in urban settings, whereas the Expedition brings a massive footprint (nearly 71 inches tall) backed by standard Four-Wheel Drive capability. For sheer towing and immediate acceleration metrics, the Expedition leads, but the GLE counters with greater fuel economy and a more composed, efficient daily drive, appealing to different priorities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 23 Combined MPG compared to the Expedition's 18 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Expedition

The 2025 Ford Expedition offers superior inherent utility and a more robust AWD system for hauling families through varied conditions.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Expedition

The Expedition is the clear choice for driving enthusiasts, packing a massive 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque advantage.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition offers substantially more power for a lower entry cost, saving buyers $4,850 at the dealership floor.

Choose the Ford Expedition if...

You require immense power, highlighted by its 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
Your budget is prioritized, given its MSRP of $57,400 against the GLE's higher starting price.
You frequently need maximum traction, benefiting from its standard four-wheel drive system.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as it delivers 23 Combined MPG, significantly better than the Expedition's 18 MPG.
You prefer a more compact, maneuverable footprint, measuring 194.3 inches long.
You prioritize standard RWD dynamics over the Expedition's FWD bias in its base setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Expedition	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Length	-	194.3"
Width	-	76.7"
Height	-	70.7"
Wheelbase	-	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	400 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	480 lb-ft	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	15/22 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	18 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	24.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	With Real Time Traffic	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Video Monitor	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Front Head Room	—	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	—	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Rear Head Room	—	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	58.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	59.8 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Terrain	All Season
Tire Size	P265/70R18	255/50R19
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Expedition and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

How significant is the power difference between the Expedition and the GLE?

The difference is substantial: the 2025 Ford Expedition boasts 400 horsepower, creating a 145 hp advantage over the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's 255 horsepower rating.

Is the Expedition's fuel penalty worth the lower price tag?

The Expedition costs $4,850 less, starting at $57,400, but burns more fuel; it achieves only 18 Combined MPG versus the GLE's 23 Combined MPG, resulting in higher running costs.

Which vehicle has a more efficient transmission setup?

The Ford Expedition utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, slightly edging out the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 9-speed unit, potentially aiding its torque delivery.

Does the Mercedes-Benz GLE offer comparable cargo space to the larger Expedition SUV?

Based on available data, the GLE crossover offers 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, though the Expedition's capacity figures were not specified for direct comparison.

What are the primary differences in drive systems?

The Expedition comes standard with a robust four-wheel drive system, while the GLE is listed with a rear-wheel drive configuration, offering distinct driving characteristics.