Ford Explorer vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.
Across 4 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2016–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 92 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $3,150 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi | 99 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2016–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 92 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs GLE-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, a 3 mpg advantage and costs about $950 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,150 for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class — a difference of roughly $950 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and GLE-Class offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Ford Explorer and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-mercedes-benz-gle-class