Dodge Durango vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Specs Compared

Also searched as Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class vs Dodge Durango specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.

The Dodge Durango and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 21 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.

Across 3 measured categories, the Dodge Durango leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

Dodge Durango

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 65 configurations

21mpg combined (best)
All Dodge Durango specs

2017–2026

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 35 configurations

21mpg combined (best)
All Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricDodge DurangoMercedes-Benz GLS-Class
Best combined MPG21 mpg21 mpg
Best city MPG19 mpg20 mpg ✓
Best highway MPG26 mpg ✓24 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,950 ✓$3,600
Lowest CO2 output414 g/mi414 g/mi
Engines offered6.4, 6.2, 5.7, 3.6SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI
TransmissionsAutomatic 8-spdAutomatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Midgrade, RegularPremium
EPA classStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2015–20272017–2026
Configurations on record6535

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Dodge Durango vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class dimensions and size

The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is 5.9 inches longer than the Dodge Durango on a wheelbase 3.5 inches longer, and 1,086.9 lbs heavier. At over 200 inches, the larger of the two is past the comfortable limit of a standard 192-inch single garage bay once you allow walking room.

Dodge Durango versus Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class exterior dimensions
DimensionDodge Durango (2026)Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (2026)Difference
Length200 in205.9 in5.9 in
Width (excl. mirrors)76 in79.9 in3.9 in
Height70.9 in71.7 in0.8 in
Wheelbase119.7 in123.2 in3.5 in
Curb weight4,987 lbs6,074 lbs1,087 lbs

Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.

Dodge Durango vs Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: what the numbers mean

Running cost over five years: at the EPA's 15,000-mile-a-year assumption the Dodge Durango burns about $2,950 of fuel annually against $3,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. That $650 yearly gap compounds to roughly $3,250 over five years and $5,200 over eight — often more than the price difference between two trims of the same vehicle, and the single largest running-cost line item separating these two.

City versus highway split: the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is the stronger commuter at 20 mpg city, while the Dodge Durango pulls ahead on the interstate at 26 mpg highway. If most of your driving is stop-and-go traffic the city figure is the one to weigh; for long-distance highway mileage the reverse is true, and the two vehicles effectively swap places depending on how you drive.

Powertrain choice: the Dodge Durango is recorded with 4 distinct engine configurations (6.4, 6.2, 5.7), the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class with 2 (SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI). Across 65 recorded Dodge Durango configurations and 35 for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the wider the engine spread the more the real-world fuel efficiency depends on which version you actually buy, so check the specific model year and drivetrain rather than the headline number.

Drivetrain and class: the Dodge Durango is offered with All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class with All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.

Tailpipe emissions: at their cleanest configurations the Dodge Durango emits 414 g/mile of CO2 versus 414 g/mile for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Emissions track fuel consumption almost exactly, so the cleaner vehicle here is also the cheaper one to fuel.

Durango vs GLS-Class: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Dodge Durango or the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class?

The Dodge Durango and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 21 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Dodge Durango runs about $2,950 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class — a difference of roughly $650 per year.

What engines do the Durango and GLS-Class offer?

Dodge Durango: 6.4, 6.2, 5.7, 3.6. Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Dodge Durango and the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.

More Durango comparisons

More GLS-Class comparisons

Comparison id: dodge-durango-vs-mercedes-benz-gls-class