Comparison - Ford Explorer ST 2021 - vs - Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class GLE 450 4MATIC 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

M-Class

The 2020 Ford Explorer ST Deserves the ST Badge
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Is the 2020 Ford Explorer ST the BEST Performance SUV for the MONEY?
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2020 Ford Explorer Review // A missed opportunity
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Review // The $85,000 Bouncy Castle
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Mercedes GLE SUV 2020 in-depth review - Carbuyer
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BMW X5 vs Mercedes GLE vs Lexus RX, competitive review
Average Price: 
$
52,605
Updated: 
25 Jan 2020
$
61,150
Updated: 
14 May 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2020
Total Seating: 
6
5
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
22.50gals
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: 
Brilliant Blue Metallic
#0f0f96
Obsidian Black Metallic
#211810
Polar White
#e1e0de
Black
#000000
designo Cardinal Red Metallic
#a02c32
designo Diamond White Metallic
#ede4d7
Iridium Silver Metallic
#adb1b2
Lunar Blue Metallic
#18294b
Mojave Silver Metallic
#999594
Emerald Green Metallic
#445044
Selenite Grey Metallic
#74849f

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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class delivers no-compromise crossover SUV comfort and luxury.

Pros
Sublime interior
Comfortable ride
Strong engines
Luxurious options list

Cons
Price will climb fast
More wind and road noise than expected
Where's the AMG?
Tight third row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class comes with all wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic.The GLE has been fully redesigned for 2020.Part of the second GLE generation introduced for 2020.

Pros
Attractive, roomy and upscale cabin
MBUX infotainment system is an industry leader
GLE 450's optional E-Active suspension provides impressive handling stability
Excellent outward visibility

Cons
Options quickly drive the price up
Midgrade Airmatic suspension feels too floaty
Transmission shifts are more pronounced than we'd like

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ranked #2 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 9 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
State-of-the-art infotainment and safety technology
Cabin is opulent, serene, and spacious
Vibrant powertrains
Comfortable, balanced handling

Cons
Infotainment system can be distracting to use

By: 
usnews.com

Fuel

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

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
inline
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.00L
3.00L
Torque: 
415ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
369ft-lbs
at 1 600rpm
Horsepower: 
400hp
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
no
Side view Camera: 
yes
no
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
driver assisted parking assist
leather steering wheel
keyless ignition
turn signal in mirrors
universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
199.30in
194.30in
Width: 
78.90in
76.70in
Height: 
70.20in
70.70in
Ground Clearance: 
8.30in
Front Track: 
66.90in
65.60in
Rear Track: 
66.90in
Wheel Base: 
119.10in
117.90in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
40.70
40.50
Rear Head Room: 
40.50
39.60
Front Leg Room: 
43.00in
40.30in
Rear leg room: 
39.00in
40.90in
Front Hip Room: 
59.20in
Front Shoulder Room: 
61.80in
59.30in
Rear Hip Room: 
59.10in
Rear Shoulder room: 
61.90in
58.30in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
87.80cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5600lbs
7700lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
18.20cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4701.00lbs
4991.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes
More Instruments: 
descent control
Center limited slip differential
electronic hi-lo gear selection

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Hands-Free Entry
Heated Mirrors
2 One-Touch Power Windows
hands-free entry
Heated mirrors
4 One-Touch Power Windows

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 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
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
rear ventilation ducts
Split-folding rear seatback
folding center armrest

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

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
no
Video monitor: 
no
no
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)
USB connection

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
no
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
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 In.
19 x 8.0 in.
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
inside mounted spare tire
temporary spare tire
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
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 Front Disc
Ventilated front 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
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: 
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
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
emergency braking preparation
Rear center 3-point belt
post-collision safety system
LED headlamp

Options

Packages: 
Smoker's Package
ST High-Performance Pack
Equipment Group 401A
Premium Technology Package
ST Street Pack
Advanced Lighting Package
AMG Line Interior
ENERGIZING Package Plus
Driver Assistance Package PLUS
MBUX Technology Package
Warmth and Comfort Package
AMG Line Exterior
Premium Package
AIR-BALANCE Package
Acoustic Comfort Package
3rd Row Seat Package
Parking Assistance Package
AMG Line w/Night Package
Exterior Options: 
Wheel Lock Kit
Roof Rails
License Plate Bracket
Dual Panel Moonroof
Splash Guards
Roof-Rail Crossbars
21" AMG Multispoke Wheels w/Black Accents
21" Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
19" Multispoke Wheels Black
21" AMG Multispoke Wheels
Illuminated Running Boards
Wheel Locking Bolts - Silver
Soft Close Doors
20" AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
Load Sill Protector
Illuminated Star
Wheel Locking Bolts - Black
Panorama Sliding Sunroof
Trailer Hitch
Roof Spoiler
20" Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
20" AMG 5-Spoke Wheels w/Black Accents
Surround View System
Black Side Cladding
Chrome Door Handle Inserts
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
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
Front Passenger Seat Memory
Headliner DINAMICA Black
Heated 2nd Row Seats
Active Multicontour Front Seats with Massage Feature
Heated/Cooled Front Cup Holders
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound System
Power 2nd Row Side-Window Sunshades
Topstitched Nappa Leather Upper Dash and Door Trim
Heated Steering Wheel
MBUX Augmented Video for Navigation
Topstitched MB-Tex Upper Dash and Door Trim

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Ebony, leather
#000000
Color: 
Black Nappa, premium leather
#12151d
Black/White Nappa, premium leather
#151820
Black/Tartufo, leather
#151820
Black w/DINAMICA, leatherette/suede
#333942
Black/Magma Grey Exclusive Nappa, premium leather
#1b1f27
Macchiato/Magma Grey, leather
#151820
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, leather
#aca4a0
Espresso Brown/Magma Grey, leather
#40352e
Black, leather
#12151d
Black, leatherette
#12151d
Espresso Brown, leatherette
#3c312b
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey, leatherette
#aca4a0