2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

$51,800 · Crossover

$77,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2026 Acura MDX ($51,800 MSRP) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe ($77,250 MSRP) is the substantial $25,450 initial price gap. This cost difference is reflected in performance metrics, where the GLE Coupe delivers 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque compared to the MDX's 290 hp and 267 lb-ft. Fuel economy is virtually identical, with both vehicles achieving a combined 22 MPG (MDX) versus 21 MPG (GLE Coupe) requiring premium fuel. Size specifications show the GLE Coupe is slightly wider at 79.3 inches versus the MDX's 78.7 inches, but the MDX maintains a 198.4-inch length advantage. Critically for utility, the MDX offers significantly less cargo volume, yielding only 18.1 cu ft against the GLE Coupe's 31.6 cu ft, making the Mercedes considerably more practical for hauling gear.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Acura MDX

The MDX wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $51,800 and comparable 19/26 MPG highway efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The GLE Coupe is superior for families as it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 31.6 cu ft compared to the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

The GLE Coupe clearly leads enthusiasts with a 375 hp output and 369 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the MDX's 290 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Acura MDX

The MDX presents superior value, offering 290 hp and FWD capability for a price tag that is $25,450 less than the Mercedes-Benz.

Choose the Acura MDX if...

Budgetary constraints are primary, given the $51,800 starting MSRP against the GLE Coupe's $77,250.
You prefer a Front Wheel Drive configuration and a slightly longer overall vehicle length of 198.4 inches.
You prioritize slightly better highway fuel economy, achieving 26 MPG versus the GLE Coupe's 25 MPG.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe if...

Maximum utility is required, evidenced by the 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, well above the MDX's 18.1 cu ft.
High performance is essential, as the GLE Coupe produces 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
All-Wheel Drive is a necessary feature, which comes standard on the Mercedes-Benz.

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 2026 Acura MDX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

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

The GLE Coupe possesses a 375 hp engine generating 369 lb-ft of torque, which is 85 hp and 102 lb-ft more than the MDX’s 290 hp and 267 lb-ft.

Which vehicle offers better utility space for cargo?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is significantly more capacious, offering 31.6 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the 2026 Acura MDX's 18.1 cubic feet.

What is the price difference between these two crossovers?

There is a notable $25,450 difference in starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, with the Acura MDX starting at $51,800 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe at $77,250.

Do these models require the same type of fuel?

Both vehicles specify premium unleaded fuel; however, the MDX recommends it while the GLE Coupe requires it for operation.

How do the transmissions compare between the two vehicles?

The Acura MDX utilizes a 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the higher-output Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is equipped with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Despite the power difference, how close are their fuel economy ratings?

The fuel economy ratings are very close, with the MDX achieving 22 combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway) and the GLE Coupe achieving 21 combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway).