2024
See Ford Explorer for saleFord Explorer
From SAR 196,900
Ford Explorer vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Which Should You Buy in KSA?
A complete comparison of the Ford Explorer VS Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.
2024
See Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class for saleMercedes-Benz GLE-Class
From SAR 450,900
Ford Explorer VS Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: the verdict
The Ford Explorer emerges as the practical champion for KSA families, offering substantial 7-seater capacity and outstanding value at a significantly lower price point. While the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class delivers superior luxury and exhilarating performance, its premium cost and 5-seat configuration make it a choice for different priorities, catering to those who seek high-end power and prestige.
| #1 Ford Explorer#1 | #2 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 179,900 – 240,000 SAR | 450,900 – 861,863 SAR |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 2,300 – 3,300 cc · 4 – 6 cyl | 2,996 – 5,461 cc · 6 – 8 cyl |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 285 – 400 hp | 367 – 585 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 353 – 563 Nm | 500 – 760 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 5.5 – 7.1 s | 4.2 – 5.8 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 180 – 237 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Fuel Economy (L/100 Km) | 7.8 – 11.7 L/100km | 7 – 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 – 93 L |
| Gears | 10 | 7 – 9 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Battery Size | 1.5 kWh | — |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m | 4.8 / 4.9 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.8 / 1.8 / 1.8 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 3.0 m | 2.9 / 3.0 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,970 – 2,132 kg | 2,220 – 2,270 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 515 L | 630 – 690 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | SUV Crossover | SUV Crossover |
| Seating Capacity | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Features | ||
| Key features | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDual Exhaust TipDVD PlayerDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlHybridImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomManual ACMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreen SizeTowing HookTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - SteelWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim | 12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizeriPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Large Families
The Ford Explorer is the undeniable choice for families needing to transport more passengers, thanks to its standard 7-seat configuration, which the GLE-Class does not offer.
2
Best for Performance Enthusiasts
For drivers prioritizing exhilarating power and acceleration, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is the clear winner, boasting up to 585 hp and a 0-100 km/h time as low as 4.2 seconds.
3
Best Value for Money
The Ford Explorer offers exceptional value, with a starting price of 179,900 SAR, making it a much more accessible and budget-friendly option compared to the premium GLE-Class.
4
Best for Cargo Capacity
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provides superior cargo flexibility, offering a trunk capacity of up to 690 liters, significantly more than the Ford Explorer's 515 liters.
Pros & cons
Ford Explorer
Pros
- Significantly more affordable starting price
- Standard 7-seater capacity
- Good fuel economy (as low as 7.8 L/100km)
- Modern 10-speed automatic transmission
Cons
- Lower power output compared to GLE-Class
- Slower acceleration times
- Smaller trunk capacity
- Smaller fuel tank
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Pros
- Superior engine power (up to 585 hp)
- Faster acceleration (as quick as 4.2 seconds)
- Larger trunk capacity (up to 690 L)
- Larger fuel tank capacity (up to 93 L)
- Higher top speed (250 km/h)
Cons
- Considerably higher purchase price
- Only 5-seater configuration available
- Potentially higher overall running costs
- Lower gear count (max 9 gears vs Explorer's 10)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class better for families in KSA?
The Ford Explorer is significantly better for families due to its standard 7-seat configuration, allowing for more passengers. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class only offers a 5-seat layout. If seating capacity for a larger family is a priority, the Explorer is the clear choice.
Which SUV offers better performance, the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers superior performance, with engine options delivering up to 585 hp and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.2 seconds. The Ford Explorer's most powerful variant offers 400 hp and a 5.5-second acceleration. For a more dynamic driving experience, the GLE-Class is the winner.
How does the price of the Ford Explorer compare to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in KSA?
The Ford Explorer is considerably more affordable, with prices ranging from 179,900 – 240,000 SAR. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a premium vehicle, priced much higher at 450,900 – 861,863 SAR. For buyers on a budget, the Explorer offers much better value.
Which car has more trunk space, the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers more trunk space, with a capacity of up to 690 liters. The Ford Explorer provides 515 liters of trunk capacity. If maximizing cargo volume is important for your needs, the GLE-Class has the advantage.
Is the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class more fuel efficient?
Both models have comparable fuel economy ranges, with the Ford Explorer starting at 7.8 L/100km and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class starting at 7 L/100km. For specific lower-end trims, the GLE-Class might offer a slight edge in efficiency, but overall, they are quite similar depending on the engine and trim chosen.
