Comparison - Ford Explorer Timberline 2021 - vs - Mercedes-Benz GLS-class 450 4MATIC 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

GL-Class

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Average Price: 
$
45,765
Updated: 
21 May 2021
$
75,200
Updated: 
31 Oct 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2020
Total Seating: 
6
7
Transmission: 
10-speed Shiftable Automatic
9-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
4
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
17.90gals
23.80gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
#FDFFFB
Agate Black Metallic
#303030
Iconic Silver Metallic
#C7CAD0
Forged Green Metallic
#374448
Carbonized Gray Metallic
#4F453E
Color: 
Iridium Silver Metallic
#B6B5B8
Obsidian Black Metallic
#424242
Selenite Grey Metallic
#868A8D
Designo Cardinal Red Metallic
#AD2E2E
Emerald Green Metallic
#2E3535
Mojave Silver Metallic
#B0ABAA
Lunar Blue Metallic
#3B4059
Black
#1B1B1B
Designo Diamond White Metallic
#D7DAC7
Brilliant Blue Metallic
#12198F
Polar White
#F9F9F9

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

For 2021 New Sport Appearance package available on XLT trim.More affordable version of the Explorer ST debuts.Platinum trim is now available for the Hybrid model.New off-road-themed Timberline debuts midway through the model year.

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

Ford has made a few tweaks to its mid-size crossover for 2021, Off-road enthusiasts may find the new Timberline trim interesting; it features a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and more rugged exterior styling cues.

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's #16 ranking is based on its score within the Midsize SUVs category. Currently the Ford Explorer has a score of 7.6 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Good cargo capacity
Powerful engines
Plenty of features
Composed ride and handling

Cons
Low-rent interior
Second- and third-row seats less comfortable than in rivals
Upgraded infotainment system not much of an upgrade

By: 
usnews.com

Sitting atop the Mercedes-Benz SUV hierarchy is the spacious and indisputably luxurious GLS-Class. It's all new for 2020 and it has big shoes to fill—we've named the outgoing GLS-Class to our 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for three straight years—but our first impressions of this new big Benz are very good.

Pros
Tech-rich cabin, spacious in all three rows, refined powertrains.

Cons
Anonymous styling, fussy infotainment system, heavily optioned models carry high price tags

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is a three-row crossover SUV that redefines luxurious family transport.

Pros
Sublime demeanor
Posh interior
Strong turbocharged engines
Impressive dynamics
AMG, Maybach editions sure to come

Cons
Hefty price
Hefty curb weight
Hefty fuel consumption
Occasional cheap touch

By: 
thecarconnection.com

New styling in line with other Mercedes SUVs.Powerful mild hybrid powertrains.Standard adjustable air suspension.All-new third GLS generation launched for 2020.

Pros
MBUX infotainment is outstanding
Tops in comfort and easily seats adults in all three rows
Flexible cargo capacity
Responsive powertrains feel like driving a smaller SUV

Cons
Not as off-road-worthy as some rugged competitors
Somewhat vague steering with large wheels and thin tires
MBUX has a steep learning curve

By: 
edmunds.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Premium Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
20.00mpg
19.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
23.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Hybrid

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
24
Cylinders: 
4
Inline
6
Inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.30L
3.00L
Torque: 
310ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
369ft-lbs
at 1 600rpm
Horsepower: 
300hp
at 5 500rpm
362hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
39.40Feet

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: 
Adaptive Cruise Control
Keyless Ignition
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
Rear Parking Sensors
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Automatic Parking Assist

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
198.80in
205.00in
Width: 
78.90in
77.00in
Height: 
69.90in
71.80in
Ground Clearance: 
7.90in
Front Track: 
65.70in
Rear Track: 
66.60in
Wheel Base: 
119.10in
123.40in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.70
39.40
Rear Head Room: 
40.50
40.20
Front Leg Room: 
43.00in
40.30in
Rear leg room: 
39.00in
41.90in
Front Hip Room: 
59.20in
60.80in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.80in
59.30in
Rear Hip Room: 
59.10in
60.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.90in
58.50in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
87.80cu.ft
84.70cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5300lbs
7700lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
18.20cu.ft
17.40cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
22.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
5701.00lbs

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: 
2 One-Touch Power Windows
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors
Hands-Free Entry
Reverse Tilt Passenger Only Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
2 -Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Leatherette
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Manual Adjustable Lumbar Support
10 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Leatherette
10 -Way Power Driver Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Driver Seat Thigh Extension
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Manual Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Multi-Level Heating
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Folding Rear Seatback
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts
Power Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats
Reclining Rear Seats
Split-Folding Rear Seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Stabilizer Bar
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
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: 
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Three Zone Climate Control
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
6 Total Speakers
USB Connection
USB With External Media Control
Speed Sensitive Volume Control
590 Watts Stereo Output
Burmester Premium Brand Speakers
Speed Sensitive Volume Control
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
2 Subwoofer(S)
6 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB Connection
13 Total Speakers
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 In.
19 X 8.5 In.
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
All Terrain Tires
Inside Mounted Spare Tire
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
265.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65
Diameter: 
R18
Width: 
275.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19

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 Disc Brakes
Ventilated Front Disc
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
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
no
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: 
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Dual Front With Head Protection Chambers Side-Mounted Airbags
Emergency Braking Preparation
Front, Rear And Third Row Head Airbags
Post-Collision Safety System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
4-Wheel ABS
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Cornering Lights
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Blind Spot Warning Accident Avoidance System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Brake Drying
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp

Options

Packages: 
Equipment Group 800A
Smoker's Package
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL Package
Warmth And Comfort Package
Air Balance Package
Executive Rear Seat Package
Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS
Acoustic Comfort Package
ENERGIZING Package PLUS
Convenience Package
Driver Assistance Package PLUS
Exterior Options: 
Outfitters Cargo - MegaWarrior
Roof-Rail Crossbars
Outfitters Bike - Front Loader
Outfitters Cargo - Skybox
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
Wheel Lock Kit
License Plate Bracket
Trailer Hitch (Class IV)
Illuminated Running Boards
Silver Wheel Locks
20” 8-Spoke Wheels
Soft-Close Doors
Illuminated Star
20” Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
MAGIC VISION CONTROL
Panorama Sunroof
Roof Spoiler
21” Triple 5-Spoke Wheels
Black Side Cladding
Chrome Door Handle Inserts
21” 5-Spoke Wheels
Interior Options: 
Cargo Mat
Dual-Headrest DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System
Heated 2nd-Row Seats
Head-Up Display
MBUX Interior Assistant
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
5-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Speed Limit Assist
Heated And Cooled 2nd-Row Cupholder
Black DINAMICA Headliner
Load Sill Protector
Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System
Topstitched MB-Tex Lower Dash And Upper Door Trim
Ventilated Front Seats
4-Zone Automatic Climate Control
6-Seat Cabin Configuration
Heated 3rd-Row Seats
Topstitched Nappa Leather Upper Dash And Door Trim
Heated Steering Wheel
Heated And Cooled Front Cupholders
MBUX Augmented Video For Navigation
Exclusive Trim Package
Multicontour Front Seats W/Massage Feature

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Deep Cypress, leatherette
#556C75
Color: 
Black, leather
#12151D
Expresso Brown/Magma Grey, leather
#40352E
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, leather
#ACA4A0
Expresso Brown, leatherette
#3C312B
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, leatherette
#ACA4A0
Black, leatherette
#12151D
Black/Tartufo, leather
#6D6463
Black /Magma Grey Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#4D5159