Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 350 4MATIC 2018

Suv one:

Ford Explorer Sport 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

M-Class

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Make:

Model:

Average Price:

45,355

Updated:

30 Nov 2016

54,700

Updated:

23 Mar 2018

Car Type:

SUV

Drive Type:

All Wheel Drive

Year:

2017

2018

Total Seating:

Transmission:

6-speed Shiftable Automatic

9-speed Shiftable Automatic

Bluetooth:

yes

Heated seats:

yes

Doors:

Fuel Tank Capacity:

18.60gals

24.60gals

Exterior Colors:

Color:

Blue Jeans Metallic

#486478

Ingot Silver Metallic

#C4C4C8

Oxford White

#E4E4E4

Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

#8E1C26

Shadow Black

#242424

Color:

Black

#000000

Brilliant Blue Metallic

#0F0F96

Dakota Brown Metallic

#403524

Diamond Silver Metallic

#C5CDD2

Iridium Silver Metallic

#ADB1B2

Lunar Blue Metallic

#18294B

Obsidian Black Metallic

#211810

Polar White

#E1E0DE

Selenite Grey Metallic

#74849F

designo Cardinal Red Metallic

#A02C32

designo Diamond White Metallic

#EDE4D7

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews:

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By:

edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By:

thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By:

motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By:

kbb.com

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class ranked #12 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has a score of 8.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 46 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

Pros
Lots of powerful engine choices
Posh interior
Above-average cargo space (in non-coupe models)
Lengthy features list

Cons
Less athletic than many competitors
Coupe has limited cargo space and visibility
Finicky engine stop-start system

By:

usnews.com

Performance, plug-in, or pedestrian: there’s a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE for almost every luxury-SUV buyer.

Pros
Wide palette of body styles, powertrains, trims
GLE Coupe, for the well-to-do contrarian
Powertrain choice abounds
Composed, quiet ride

Cons
AMG = $$$
Not so fuel-efficient
Addled infotainment interface
Odd feature availability
Coupe body costs money, space

By:

thecarconnection.com

The AMG GLE 43 is slightly more powerful, increasing engine output from 362 horsepower to 385 hp. Otherwise, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is unchanged for 2018.

PROS
Multiple available powertrains make each model distinct
Interior is quiet, upscale and roomy
Abundant list of standard safety, tech and luxury features
AMG variants are seriously quick

CONS
Not many places to store small personal items
Punishing ride on AMG models, with little benefit to handling
Ride quality with the standard suspension isn't as comfy as we expect
Base V6's acceleration is merely adequate

By:

edmunds.com

Fuel

Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Premium Unleaded

Fuel Economy City USA:

16.00mpg

18.00mpg

Fuel Economy HWY:

22.00mpg

Engine type:

Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves:

Cylinders:

Engine Size/Displacement:

3.50L

Torque:

350ft-lbs

at 3 500rpm

273ft-lbs

at 3 500rpm

Horsepower:

365hp

at 5 500rpm

302hp

at 6 500rpm

Cam Type:

Double overhead cam (DOHC)

Turning Circle:

40.00Feet

38.70Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control:

yes

Door Pockets:

yes

Cupholders:

yes

Overhead console:

yes

Seatback Storage:

yes

Power Steering:

yes

Parking sensors:

yes

Steering Wheel Tilt:

yes

Telescopic steering wheel:

yes

Rear View Camera:

yes

Front view Camera:

yes

Side view Camera:

On steering wheel:

Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel

Exterior Dimensions

Length:

198.30in

189.10in

Width:

78.90in

Height:

71.00in

70.70in

Ground Clearance:

7.80in

9.10in

Front Track:

65.90in

Rear Track:

66.70in

Wheel Base:

112.80in

114.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.40

38.90

Rear Head Room:

40.60

38.50

Front Leg Room:

42.90in

40.30in

Rear leg room:

39.50in

38.40in

Front Hip Room:

57.30in

Front Shoulder Room:

61.50in

58.50in

Rear Hip Room:

56.80in

Rear Shoulder room:

61.00in

58.40in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity:

81.70cu.ft

80.30cu.ft

Maximum Towing Capacity un-break:

5000lbs

7200lbs

Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place:

21.00cu.ft

38.20cu.ft

Angle of Approach:

15.60degrees

Angle of Departure:

20.90degrees

Curb Weight:

4901.00lbs

4751.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display:

yes

Clock:

yes

Trip computer:

yes

Techometer:

yes

Compass:

yes

Power Features

Power windows:

yes

Remote Keyless doors:

yes

More Power Features:

2 one-touch power windows

Heated mirrors

4 One-Touch Power Windows

Remote Keyless Power Door Locks

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible:

yes

Front Seats Features:

8 -way power driver seat

Bucket front seats

Height adjustable passenger seat

Multi-level heating driver seat

Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support

8 -way power passenger seat

Height adjustable driver seat

Leather

Multi-level heating passenger seat

Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support

10 -way power driver seat

6-Way Manual Passenger Seat Adjustment

Height adjustable driver seat

Height adjustable passenger seat

Multi-level heating driver seat

Multi-level heating passenger seat

Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support

Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support

Bucket Front Seats

Leatherette

Rear Seats Features:

Folding center armrest

Rear ventilation ducts with fan control

Power folding split-bench third row seats

Split-folding rear seatback

Folding Center Armrest

Rear ventilation ducts

Split-folding rear seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension:

Front stabilizer bar

Rear Suspension:

Rear stabilizer bar

Suspension Info:

Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration:

yes

Climate Control:

yes

More Comfort Features:

Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Leather steering wheel

Turn signal in mirrors

Heated steering wheel

Front and rear air conditioning

Leather Steering Wheel

Turn signal in mirrors

Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Entertainment

DVD player:

AM/FM Radio:

yes

Satellite radio:

yes

Video monitor:

yes

More Entertainment:

USB connection

Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control

Memory card slot

Surround audio surround audio (discrete)

Sony premium brand speakers

390 watts stero output

1 subwoofer(s)

12 total speakers

6 Months of provided satellite radio service

Sony premium brand stero system

USB connection

Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control

Exterior Features

Sunroof:

yes

Rear defogger:

yes

Safety Features

ABS:

yes

Front head airbags:

yes

Rear head airbags:

yes

Dual front side-mounted airbags:

yes

Emergency braking assist:

yes

Traction control:

yes

Child seat anchors:

yes

Front brakes:

Front ventilated disc brakes

Ventilated front disc brakes

Stability control:

yes

Rear brakes:

rear ventilated disc brakes

Rear ventilated disc brakes

Rear door child safety locks:

yes

Daytime running lights:

yes

Engine immobilizer:

yes

Front fog lights:

yes

Dusk sensing headlamps:

yes

Auto delay off headlamps:

yes

Front headrests:

yes

Rear headrests:

yes

Tire pressure monitoring:

yes

More Safety Features:

Post-collision safety system

Airbag Deployment Notification*

BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package

Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support

Rear height adjustable headrests

Rear center 3-point belt

Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Remote anti-theft alarm system

Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags

Emergency braking preparation

Remote anti-theft alarm system

Pre-collision safety system

2 Front Headrests

Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Rear center 3-point belt

Rear height adjustable headrests

Turn signal mirrors

4-Wheel ABS

Airbag Deployment Notification

Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance

Emergency Service

Brake Drying

3 Rear Headrests

Options

Packages:

Equipment Group 401A

Equipment Group 400A

Night Package

Premium 2 Package

Premium 3 Package

Accessory Chrome Package

Designo Espresso Brown Exclusive Nappa Leather Package

AMG Line Exterior

Designo Porcelain/Black Exclusive Nappa Leather Package

Parking Assist Package

Premium 1 Package

ACTIVE CURVE SYSTEM Package

AMG Line Interior

Exterior Options:

Roof Rack Crossbars

Running Boards

P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires

Splash Guards

Dual Panel Moonroof

License Plate Bracket

Rear Bumper Protector

Wheel Lock Kit

MAGIC VISION CONTROL

Wheel Locks

Soft Close Doors

Illuminated Side Running Boards

Trailer Hitch

Illuminated Grille Star

Brushed Aluminum Running Boards w/Rubber Studs

20" AMG 5-Spoke W/Black Accents

Panorama Sunroof

20" AMG 5-Spoke Titanium Grey

Illuminated Side Running Boards

Laminated Windshield And Front Side Windows (SPC)

20" 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels

Interior Options:

2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold

Cargo Shade

Smokers Kit w/Element

Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats

Rear Cargo Well Protector

DVD Headrests

2nd Row Console

Multi-Contour Front Seats w/Massage

Designo Porcelain DINAMICA Headliner

Designo Black DINAMICA Headliner

Heated Multifunction Steering Wheel

Rear Seat Entertainment Pre-Wiring

Bang & Olufsen Sound System

3-Zone Climate Control

Cargo Management System (SPC)

Rear Seat Entertainment

Heated Rear Seats

Cabin-air Purification System

Wood/Leather Steering Wheel

Ventilated Front Seats

Crystal Grey Headliner

Front Sport Seats

Porcelain Headliner

10-Way Power Passenger Seat (SPC)

Cargo Management System (SPC)

Rear Lockable Storage Compartment (SPC)

MB-TEX Wrapped Dashboard (SPC)

Harman/Kardon Sound System

Black Headliner

10-Way Power Passenger Seat (SPC)

Colors

Interior Colors:

Color:

Medium Light Camel, cloth

#9A9789

Color:

Black Exclusive Nappa, premium leather

#000000

Black w/Grey Stitching Exclusive Nappa, premium leather

#070707

Espresso Brown/Black Exclusive Nappa, premium leather

#5B5250

Porcelain/Black Exclusive Nappa, premium leather

#DAD3CF

Suv two:

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 350 4MATIC 2018

Featured:

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Comparison - Ford Explorer Sport 2017 - vs - Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class 350 4MATIC 2018

General

Also called:

--

Also called:

M-Class

Expert Reviews

Fuel

Engine and Performance

Convenience

Exterior Dimensions

Interior Dimensions

Weights and capacites

Instruments

Power Features

Seats

Suspension

Comfort

Entertainment

Exterior Features

Safety Features

Options

Colors

Comparisons