Comparison - Ford Explorer ST 2021 - vs - Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class GLS 550 4MATIC 2019

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

GL-Class

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Average Price: 
$
52,605
Updated: 
25 Jan 2020
$
95,750
Updated: 
10 Apr 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2019
Total Seating: 
6
7
Transmission: 
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
9-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
18.60gals
26.40gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E
Star white Metallic Tri-coat
#FDFFFB
Atlas Blue Metallic
#0741D6
Rich Copper Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#4A1414
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#E60E28
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0
Color: 
Black
#000000
Brilliant Blue Metallic
#0F0F96
Selenite Grey Metallic
#74849F
Iridium Silver Metallic
#ADB1B2
Lunar Blue Metallic
#18294B
Obsidian Black Metallic
#211810
Polar White
#E1E0DE
designo Cardinal Red Metallic
#A02C32
designo Diamond White Metallic
#EDE4D7

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, such as making heated seats standard on the XLT, offering a heated steering wheel as an optional feature on that model, and including an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat on the Limited, ST, and Platinum models. A Sport Appearance package is now available on the XLT trim, and it includes 20-inch aluminum wheels that are coated in Carbonized Gray paint.

Pros
Smooth and controlled ride,
cargo friendly interior design,
comfortable front seats.

Cons
Third row space is tight,
plasticky interior bits,
most desirable models are pricey.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Ford Explorer is recognizable, but new. It should be on every family SUV shopper’s list.

Pros
Wide range of powertrains
Good looks
Great active safety tech
Available hybrid
Quiet interio

Cons
Hybrid isn’t refined
Not a great value
Cramped third row
Clunky second row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.Minor changes to standard and optional feature availability.

Pros
Strong engines for quick acceleration
Rear-wheel-drive platform improves handling and towing
Roomy cargo area

Cons
Too much wind noise at highway speeds
The price can get frighteningly expensive in a hurry
Lackluster interior material quality

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.Limited GLS Grand Edition includes upgraded leather, wood trim, adaptive LED headlights, unique wheels.Part of the second GLS-Class generation introduced for 2013 (then called the GL-Class).

PROS
Spacious third-row seat can accommodate adults
Ample acceleration with any powertrain choice
Quiet cabin with luxurious trim
Available off-road package gives it true capability in the dirt

CONS
Many desirable features don't come standard
Large price jump from GLS 450 to GLS 550

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class wears its old-school heart on its sleeve, proudly.

Pros
Plenty of cargo- and people-space
Flexible seating
Luxury SUV-levels of swank
Latest safety equipment – much of which is standard
Surprisingly entertaining AMG model

Cons
No diesel option
COMAND system is due for replacement
Middling gas-engine fuel economy

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class ranked #2 in Luxury Large SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 36 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Ample engine power
Confident handling and comfortable ride
Upscale cabin quality
Three rows of spacious seats

Cons
Rivals have more standard features

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Premium Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
18.00mpg
14.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
24.00mpg
19.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
32
Cylinders: 
6
V
8
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.00L
4.70L
Torque: 
415ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
516ft-lbs
at 1 800rpm
Horsepower: 
400hp
at 5 500rpm
449hp
at 5 250rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
40.70Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
yes
yes
Side view Camera: 
yes
yes
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Heated Steering Wheel
Automatic Parking Assist
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Roadside Assistance*
Destination Download*
Concierge Service*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Manual rear seat easy entry
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Keyless Ignition
Sun Sensor
Driver Assisted Parking Assist
Leather And Wood Steering Wheel

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
199.30in
202.00in
Width: 
78.90in
78.00in
Height: 
70.20in
72.80in
Ground Clearance: 
8.30in
8.50in
Front Track: 
66.90in
Rear Track: 
66.90in
Wheel Base: 
119.10in
121.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.70
41.20
Rear Head Room: 
40.50
40.00
Front Leg Room: 
43.00in
40.30in
Rear leg room: 
39.00in
38.50in
Front Hip Room: 
59.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.80in
58.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
59.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.90in
58.30in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
87.80cu.ft
93.80cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5600lbs
7500lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
18.20cu.ft
16.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
33.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.00degrees
27.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4701.00lbs
5578.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
4 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
Reverse tilt passenger only provides curb view when vehicle in reverse
Hands-Free Entry

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Sport Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Leather
6 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
10 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Leather
10-Way Power Passenger Seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
Massaging
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Power Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Folding Rear Seatback
Multi-Level Heating
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Reclining rear seats
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Rear Ventilation Ducts

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front Stabilizer Bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Three Zone Climate Control
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Turn signal in mirrors
Three Zone Climate Control

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
yes
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
yes
More Entertainment: 
Bang & Olufsen Premium Brand Speakers
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
USB With External Media Control
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB Connection
1 Subwoofer(S)
12 Total Speakers
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
USB connection
Memory card slot
1 Subwoofer(S)
14 Total Speakers
830 Watts Stereo Output
Harman/Kardon Premium Brand Speakers
Harman/Kardon Premium Brand Stereo System
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)
6 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Body-color door handles with black insert
Liftgate Appliqué - black
Black mesh insert with chrome bars
EXPLORER badge on hood
Rain-Sensing Wipers
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Remote sunroof operation
Privacy glass
Power glass sunroof
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 In.
21 X 10-In.
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
Null spare wheel
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
295.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
40
Diameter: 
R21

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Front Disc
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance*
Airbag Deployment Notification*
PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Post-collision safety system
Brake drying
Pre-collision safety system
Emergency Braking Preparation
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Turn signal mirrors
Rear Side Air Bags (SPC)
Emergency Service*
Vehicle Alarm notification*
LED Headlamp
Blind-Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Cornering Lights
Self-Leveling Headlights

Options

Packages: 
Smoker's Package
ST High-Performance Pack
Equipment Group 401A
Premium Technology Package
ST Street Pack
Driver Assistance Package
Grand Edition Package
Off-Road Package
Night Package
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Lock Kit
Roof Rails
License Plate Bracket
Dual Panel Moonroof
Splash Guards
Roof-Rail Crossbars
MAGIC VISION CONTROL
Soft-Close Doors
Panorama Sunroof
Interior Options: 
2nd Row Bench
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System
Cargo Area Management System
All-Weather Floor Mats W/Carpet Mats
Cargo Mat
Heated 2nd-Row Seats
Ventilated Front Seats
Bang & Olufsen Sound System
2nd Row Side-Window Sunshades
Heated Steering Wheel
Rear Seat Entertainment Pre-Wiring
Rear Seat Entertainment
Heated & Cooled Front Cup Holders
Multicontour Front Seats W/Massage Feature
Power EASY-ENTRY Feature For 2nd-Row Seats
Cabin Air Purification System

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leather
#000000
Color: 
Black, leather
#131313
designo Porcelain/Black Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#E7DEDA
Crystal Grey/Black, leather
#A3A1A0
Espresso Brown, leatherette
#483F3D
Ginger Beige/Black, leather
#9E8B7C
Ginger Beige/Black, leatherette
#B6A598
Ginger Beige/Espresso Brown, leatherette
#9E8B7C
Saddle Brown/Black, leather
#936555
designo Espresso Brown Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#534A48
designo Porcelain/Espresso Brown Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#E7DEDA