2025 Lincoln Aviator vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$59,295 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is the 145 horsepower gap, with the Aviator producing 400 hp versus the GLE’s 255 hp, accompanied by a superior torque figure of 415 lb-ft versus 295 lb-ft. The Mercedes GLE counters with superior efficiency, achieving 23 combined MPG compared to the Aviator's 21 combined MPG, and offers significantly more storage space with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Lincoln's 19.2 cubic feet. Pricewise, the Aviator undercuts the GLE by $2,955, starting at an MSRP of $59,295 against the GLE's $62,250. Both vehicles utilize RWD and a premium fuel requirement, though the Aviator employs a 10-speed automatic while the GLE uses a 9-speed.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE offers better fuel economy for daily driving with 23 combined MPG compared to the Aviator's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The GLE provides substantially more utility for families, boasting 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lincoln Aviator

The Lincoln Aviator delivers superior performance metrics with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lincoln Aviator

The Aviator provides 145 more horsepower for $2,955 less than the starting MSRP of the GLE.

Choose the Lincoln Aviator if...

Maximum engine output is the priority, as the 400 hp engine significantly outpaces the GLE.
Budget conservation is important, with an MSRP of $59,295, undercutting the GLE by nearly $3,000.
A smoother shifting experience is desired due to the Aviator's 10-speed automatic transmission versus the GLE's 9-speed.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

Cargo space is critical, as the GLE offers 33.3 cu ft, significantly exceeding the Aviator's 19.2 cu ft.
Minor efficiency gains are preferred, with the GLE achieving 23 combined MPG against the Aviator's 21 MPG.
A slightly more compact exterior length (194.3 inches vs. 199.7 inches) is beneficial for urban parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Aviator	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Length	199.7"	194.3"
Width	79.6"	76.7"
Height	69.2"	70.7"
Wheelbase	119.1"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lincoln	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	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	400 hp	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	415 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	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/25 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	363.6/505.0 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	20.2 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	—
Subwoofer Count	1	2
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Rear Volume Controls	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass Extended	1st Row Power Glass
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	43.0 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	58.5 in.	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-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	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.2 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.3 in.	58.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.3 in.	59.8 in.
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R20	255/50R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lincoln	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	unlimited yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

What is the primary powertrain performance difference between the 2025 Aviator and the 2026 GLE?

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator significantly leads in power, generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 145 hp disparity.

Which vehicle offers better cargo capacity for hauling luggage or gear?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the clear winner for cargo volume, providing 33.3 cubic feet. The Lincoln Aviator offers substantially less utility with only 19.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row.

How do the starting prices and fuel economy figures compare?

The Lincoln Aviator has a lower starting MSRP at $59,295, whereas the GLE begins at $62,250. For fuel economy, the GLE is slightly more efficient, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Aviator’s 21 combined MPG.

Are there differences in vehicle dimensions that affect maneuverability?

Yes, the GLE is generally more compact; it is 5.4 inches shorter in length (194.3 in vs 199.7 in) but 1.5 inches taller (70.7 in vs 69.2 in) than the Aviator.

Do both crossovers require premium fuel?

Both vehicles mandate premium fuel, though the Aviator only recommends it while the GLE officially requires it for its standard engine configuration.

What is the transmission difference between these two RWD luxury crossovers?

The 2025 Lincoln Aviator utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.