The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ranks 11 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury midsize SUV that offers room for five in a lavish, safe cabin. However, in this very competitive category, the GLE doesn't present the most well-rounded package. Some rivals give you a better value.
Pros Attractive engine lineup Premium cabin Large cargo hold in non-Coupe GLE Outstanding safety scores and features
Cons Clunky engine stop-start system Poor visibility and small cargo space in Coupe
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class pared down its powertrains to gas only or a plug-in hybrid, although it still has plenty of stops in between for luxury buyers. Where the parking lot ends and the drive-thru begins, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is there to pick up dry cleaning, kids from school, and do it all over again tomorrow.
Pros Plenty of base features that you'd expect on a luxury car "Coupe" look for daring, non-conformists (with money) Wide range of powertrains Quiet, comfortable ride
Cons Expensive performance versions Relatively thirsty compared to others Pricey advanced safety features Coupe look can cost dearly
What are you looking for from a luxury SUV? If it's comfort, ample cargo space and many available features, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class could be for you. A wide range of available engines furthers its appeal.For 2017, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has minor revisions to its standard feature content but is otherwise unchanged. A new diesel engine option could debut later in the model year.
Pros Several engine choices Quiet, upscale and well-built interior with a roomy backseat Long list of standard safety and technology features.
Cons Base V6's acceleration is merely adequate Uninspiring handling when going around turns Ride quality with the standard suspension isn't as comfortable as we expect.
The 2017 Nissan Armada ranks 6 out of 6 Large SUVs. Nissan reintroduced the Armada for the 2017 model year, and it has a quiet ride, above-average cabin quality, a powerful engine, and spacious second-row seats. However, the front seats are less roomy than in rival SUVs, and the infotainment system feels a step behind many rival systems.
Pros Powerful engine Quiet ride Quality cabin materials Sprawling second-row seats
Cons Antiquated infotainment system Subpar cargo space Disappointing first- and third-row seats
After rotting on the vine for years, the 2017 Nissan Armada's redesign brings it upscale and makes it competitive with its recently updated truck-based full-size SUV rivals. With the 2017 Armada, Nissan has adopted what is basically a U.S. version of the global Nissan Patrol SUV. The new Armada is a soul mate of the Infiniti QX80 once again, with a body-on-frame design and its eight-passenger seating. To distinguish it from the QX80, it gets new styling and new engineering, plus additional safety features.
Pros More modern looks Quiet cabin Ready power Good choice for towing Room for people and their stuff
Cons Thirsty Big and heavy Slow steering Tight third-row seat
The redesigned 2017 Nissan Armada is a substantial improvement over the vehicle it replaces. If you're looking for a big three-row SUV that can tow and venture off the beaten path but also comfortably handle the daily urban grind, the new Armada will be a great choice. After a one-year hiatus, the Nissan Armada is back for 2017. Fully redesigned, it boasts a higher quality interior, a more powerful V8 engine and a new, more chiseled look for its exterior styling.
Pros Higher-quality cabin that betters most competitors Smooth and quiet V8 engine More comfortable and less trucklike to drive than some rival SUVs Plenty of ground clearance for off-road adventures.
Cons Fuel economy is poor, even for this class of vehicle Third-row seat is less spacious and comfortable than those of some SUV and crossover rivals Heavy steering in parking lots.
