2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs 2026 Acura MDX

$61,850 · Crossover

$51,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class arrives radiating opulent design, boasting a standard $61,850 MSRP and 255 horsepower delivered through a refined RWD platform. Conversely, the 2026 Acura MDX captivates with aggressive performance figures, offering 290 horsepower right out of the gate for a significantly lower $51,800 entry price. While the GLE is slightly more compact at 194.3 inches long, its 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space dwarfs the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet, making the Mercedes the utility champion. The Acura compensates by being marginally wider at 78.7 inches and promises efficiency closer to the Mercedes, with 23 MPG combined for the GLE versus 22 MPG combined for the MDX, despite the significant 35 hp gap favoring the Acura. This contest pits established luxury cruising against accessible, sharp athleticism.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers superior fuel efficiency for daily driving with 28 MPG highway compared to the Acura's 26 MPG highway.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE provides substantially more hauling capability with 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space versus the MDX's 18.1 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX delivers 290 horsepower, substantially exceeding the GLE's 255 hp output for a more spirited drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The Acura MDX saves the buyer $10,050 at the starting MSRP while offering 35 more horsepower.

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

You prioritize maximum cargo volume, as the GLE offers 33.3 cu ft.
You prefer the traditionally balanced handling of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
Your budget accommodates the $61,850 starting MSRP for signature luxury refinement.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Maximizing horsepower is crucial, as the MDX boasts 290 hp for only $51,800.
You need the slightly larger footprint, with the MDX measuring 198.4 inches in length.
You are willing to use premium fuel only as 'recommended' rather than 'required' for the Acura.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class	Acura MDX
Length	194.3"	198.4"
Width	76.7"	78.7"
Height	70.7"	67.9"
Wheelbase	117.9"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	290 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	19/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	472.5/630.0 mi.	351.5/481.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	18.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	—
Speaker System	—	11
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	38.5 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	61.9 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	59.3 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.9 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.8 in.	57.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	19 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R19	255/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Acura
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and 2026 Acura MDX.

What is the primary dynamic difference between the RWD GLE and FWD MDX?

The Mercedes GLE utilizes a rear-wheel-drive bias, often providing a more balanced and classic luxury driving feel, whereas the Acura MDX is front-wheel-drive based, which influences power delivery and cornering characteristics.

How significant is the power deficit in the base GLE compared to the MDX?

The base Mercedes GLE produces 255 hp, which is a 35 hp difference compared to the 290 hp available in the 2026 Acura MDX, meaning the Acura will accelerate with more immediate punch.

Which crossover offers superior utility for large hauling needs?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the clear winner for hauling, offering 33.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 18.1 cubic feet in the Acura MDX.

Is the higher MSRP for the GLE justified by better fuel economy?

The GLE returns 23 MPG combined (21/28 City/Highway), marginally better than the MDX's 22 MPG combined, but this small efficiency gain does not offset the $10,050 initial price difference.

Are the transmission systems comparable in operation?

Both utilize shiftable automatics, but the Acura uses a 10-speed unit while the Mercedes employs a 9-speed, suggesting potentially quicker gear changes in the MDX.