2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares over the wheel arches, gave it a refreshed look. The grille featured chrome inserts, adding a touch of elegance. The optional AMG Line package enhanced its sportiness with a distinct grille and larger wheel options, up to 21 inches. Inside, the GLE maintained its luxurious Mercedes-Benz identity, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating in our tester gave the cabin a dated appearance, reminiscent of a 1970s rec room. Opting for lighter leather colors could remedy this design choice.

The 2025 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, showcased a bold and imposing design. Its high beltline and tall grille, complemented by a new front lighting signature with C-shaped LED lines, made a strong impression. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its skid plate and rugged character, while the Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims exuded sophistication. The Armada's side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with parallel beltlines and distinctive D-pillar accents. The rear featured LED taillights and a fashionable lightbar on higher trims. Wheel options ranged from 18 to 22 inches, with the PRO-4X boasting unique all-terrain tires. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, with leather seats and a padded center console, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. However, our test vehicle was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, which combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with our test showing 55 miles. The GLE 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips. While the plug-in hybrid offered a comfortable ride, it lacked sporty driving dynamics, with light steering and noticeable body roll.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the GT-R, producing 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and all trims except the PRO-4X offered rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive. The PRO-4X, designed for off-roading, featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a balanced feel, while off-road, the adaptive air suspension excelled in challenging conditions.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE prioritized interior luxuries, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors enhanced the cabin experience. The Burmester stereo system provided excellent audio quality. However, the fixed sun visors were a minor inconvenience. The GLE offered 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. It could tow up to 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist for easier trailer handling.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve boasted "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort but feeling slightly deep. The SUV accommodated three rows, with captain's chairs available on Platinum trims. Cargo space increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in total. The Armada's headroom and legroom improved, with notable gains in the third row. While it fell short of American rivals in passenger space, it surpassed the Toyota Sequoia.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than in other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays, and the off-road page offered detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured dual screens, with 12.3-inch displays on lower trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The flat display unit housed both screens, offering clear visibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be displayed on the driver-information screen. A head-up display was optional, and the Klipsch Premium Audio System impressed with its sound quality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-change assist. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for cars equipped with the Digital Light package.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with enhanced versions on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist. The Armada also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. A surround-view camera was standard on the SL trim, with higher trims offering the 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View for enhanced visibility.