2026 Lincoln Navigator vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

$91,995 · SUV

$90,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Lincoln Navigator bursts onto the scene with a commanding presence, offering a muscular 440 hp and a massive 510 lb-ft of torque to power its four-wheel-drive platform, promising effortless, traditional American luxury cruising. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS prioritizes refined, European efficiency, despite yielding 65 horsepower to its rival; its compact footprint (205.0 inches long) suggests slightly nimbler city maneuvering, and its 21 combined MPG is a key talking point. While the Navigator accepts regular unleaded fuel, the GLS demands premium, impacting long-term ownership costs significantly. The GLS starts slightly cheaper at $90,250 versus the Navigator’s $91,995, but the Navigator’s superior raw power output is the clear performance headline in this battle of luxury flagships.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 21 combined MPG versus the Navigator's implied lower rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Lincoln Navigator takes the family crown by offering more power (440 hp) for confident highway merging when the vehicle is fully loaded.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lincoln Navigator

The Navigator appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its substantial lead in pulling power, boasting 510 lb-ft of torque compared to the GLS's 369 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The Mercedes-Benz GLS offers better initial value starting at $90,250 and returns better mileage, despite the higher cost of premium fuel.

Choose the Lincoln Navigator if...

You require maximum towing and acceleration capability, highlighted by its 440 hp engine.
You prefer the versatility of running on regular unleaded fuel.
You need the robust stability of a true four-wheel-drive system.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLS if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as evidenced by its 21 combined MPG rating.
You want to save $1,745 on the initial MSRP, starting at $90,250.
You prefer a slightly more compact physical footprint (205.0 inches long).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lincoln Navigator	Mercedes-Benz GLS
Length	-	205.0"
Width	-	79.9"
Height	-	71.8"
Wheelbase	-	123.4"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 6
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	440 hp @ 5850 rpm	375 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	510 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	24
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	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	On Demand	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Single-Speed	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	452.2/571.2 mi.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	19/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	—	21 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	23.8 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	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	✓
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	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	48.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Brand Speakers	Revel	—
Speaker System	14	13
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Video Monitor	✓	—
Audio/Video Remote Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Burmester
Stereo Power	—	590W
Subwoofer Count	—	2
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	✓
Seat Massage Function	✓	—
Front Head Room	—	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	—	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	—	60.8 in.
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats	✓	—
Power Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Rear Head Room	—	40.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	41.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	60.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lincoln	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	22 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P275/50R22	315/40R21
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 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	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Lincoln Navigator and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

How significant is the horsepower difference between the 2026 Navigator and the 2026 GLS?

The Lincoln Navigator holds a substantial advantage, delivering 440 horsepower, which is exactly 65 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLS's 375 horsepower output. This power delta should translate to noticeably quicker acceleration times for the Navigator.

Does the difference in fuel type affect the long-term cost of ownership?

Yes, the Lincoln Navigator runs on regular unleaded fuel, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS mandates premium fuel. Over many fill-ups, the recurring need for more expensive premium fuel could negate some of the GLS’s lower initial MSRP advantage.

Which luxury SUV provides better efficiency for daily driving?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 21 combined MPG (19 city/24 highway). The Navigator lacks published MPG figures but is expected to trail significantly given its higher power output and larger torque rating (510 lb-ft).

How do the transmissions compare in the 2026 models?

The Navigator utilizes a slightly more geared 10-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the GLS employs a 9-speed shiftable automatic, both designed to manage their respective engines smoothly.

Is there a major difference in torque figures affecting hauling capability?

There is a massive 141 lb-ft difference in torque, with the Navigator producing 510 lb-ft compared to the GLS’s 369 lb-ft. This suggests the Navigator will feel substantially stronger when towing or carrying heavy loads.

What is the difference in dimensions between the two large SUVs?

The Mercedes-Benz GLS measures 205.0 inches in length and 71.8 inches in height, providing a fixed reference point for its dimensions. The Navigator's specific dimensions were not listed, but it generally competes in the same massive footprint category.