2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

$40,050 · Crossover

$45,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class boils down to balancing space, performance, and budget. If raw power is your priority, the Explorer dominates with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLB-Class’s 221 hp. However, the GLB fights back where efficiency matters most, delivering a superior 28 MPG combined versus the Explorer’s 24 MPG combined, which also factors in the Explorer using regular unleaded while the Mercedes requires premium fuel. Size-wise, the larger Explorer spans 198.8 inches in length, while the slightly smaller GLB offers more practical everyday storage at 22 cubic feet versus the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet. This difference in initial cost—a $5,750 MSRP gap favoring Ford—will heavily influence practical buyers looking for a robust utility vehicle.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is better for families, offering a larger overall footprint and more raw power with 300 hp for hauling passengers.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Explorer

The Explorer appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its significantly higher output of 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Despite the higher initial price, the GLB-Class offers better value through substantially better fuel economy (4 MPG better) and more cargo space.

Choose the Ford Explorer if...

You need the maximum available power, as the Explorer boasts 300 horsepower.
You prefer the stable handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive platform.
You want to save $5,750 upfront, as the Explorer starts at $40,050 compared to $45,800 for the GLB-Class.

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

Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the GLB-Class achieves 28 MPG combined versus 24 MPG for the Explorer.
You prioritize flexible daily storage, as the GLB offers 22 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You prefer a more compact vehicle around town, as the GLB-Class is 16.4 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Explorer	Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Length	198.8"	182.4"
Width	78.9"	72.2"
Height	69.9"	66.7"
Wheelbase	119.1"	111.4"

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 (with Head Protection Chamber)	✓	—
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 Ventilated 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	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5500 rpm	221 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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 automatic	8-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/29 MPG	25/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	358.0/519.1 mi.	397.5/524.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	—
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Infotainment Display	—	10.25 in
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.7 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.8 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	59.2 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.5 in.	39.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.0 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.9 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.1 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	P255/65R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	—
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class.

Which vehicle is more expensive to operate annually?

While the Explorer has a lower MSRP by $5,750, the GLB-Class is likely cheaper to run daily. The GLB gets 28 MPG combined versus the Explorer’s 24 MPG combined, which adds up quickly over a year of driving.

Does the difference in horsepower significantly impact driving dynamics?

Yes, the 2025 Ford Explorer has 79 more horsepower (300 hp vs 221 hp) and significantly more torque (310 lb-ft vs 258 lb-ft), suggesting the Explorer will feel noticeably quicker and more muscular when merging or accelerating.

Is the GLB-Class small enough to be a true compact crossover?

The GLB-Class is substantially smaller than the Explorer, measuring 182.4 inches long compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches. However, it surprisingly maximizes its smaller footprint by offering 22 cubic feet of cargo space.

What is the fuel compatibility difference between the two vehicles?

The Ford Explorer conveniently runs on regular unleaded gasoline, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class specifically requires premium unleaded fuel, which will impact the cost per fill-up.

How does the driving configuration (FWD vs RWD) affect daily usability?

The Explorer uses a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup, often preferred for better balanced handling, while the GLB-Class uses a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup which typically aids better traction in slick, low-speed commuter conditions.

Which crossover has more room behind the rear seats?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class offers slightly more accessible storage space with 22 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 18.2 cubic feet found in the 2025 Ford Explorer.