2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that, while bordering on understated, promised to age gracefully. The GLS 450 test vehicle featured striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille design, and polished metal accents, all complemented by a lustrous Twilight Blue paint. Inside, the GLS 450 boasted a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior with natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating a luxurious environment. The GLS 450, the most affordable version, came with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in the rugged conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its adventurous spirit with the Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, the Pathfinder handled the snowy terrain with ease. The Rock Creek trim featured a distinctive V-Motion grille, stacked LED lighting, and a metal roof rack, emphasizing its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Pathfinder offered a comfortable and spacious cabin with leatherette-and-cloth upholstery and bright orange "Rock Creek" logos, providing a blend of style and practicality.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 delivered a compelling performance with its 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The GLS 450 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, providing smooth and seamless acceleration. Its mild-hybrid system added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque, enhancing its lively feel from a stop. The nine-speed automatic transmission and variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system offered a tailored driving experience with Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual modes. The GLS 450's adaptive air suspension and massive Continental Premium Contact tires contributed to its athleticism, while the brakes performed admirably under duress.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, offered 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most trims, with the Rock Creek trim providing a slight boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. Despite the power increase, the Rock Creek's all-terrain tires affected its acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission handled power well, and the Pathfinder's maximum towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the transmission oil cooler. The Pathfinder's soft suspension provided a comfortable ride on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty roads. The Rock Creek trim's fuel economy was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with standard 4WD and seven drive modes enhancing traction management.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a luxurious interior with supple leather surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, and a wide range of adjustments. The front seats provided a commanding view, while the new steering wheel was a delight to grip. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone automatic climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs offered excellent thigh support, but accessing the third-row seat was cumbersome. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet behind the front seats.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller on paper, offered ample interior space, comfortably accommodating four adults on a ski trip. The Pathfinder provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 45 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Rock Creek trim featured captain's chairs and a removable center console for the second row. The Pathfinder's EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats. The Pathfinder's three-zone climate control and comfortable seats ensured a pleasant ride for all passengers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered improved graphics and intuitive operation, though touch-sensitive areas on the steering wheel and center console caused occasional frustration. The MBUX system included natural voice recognition and augmented reality for navigation, providing a high-tech experience.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with an older interface and smaller screens. The Pathfinder offered an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The SL and Platinum trims featured a 13-speaker Bose system, while other trims had a 6-speaker stereo. The Pathfinder's tech offerings included voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but navigation was limited to higher trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with over 20 significant safety features, with adjustable advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) through MBUX. The GLS's ADAS provided effective forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist systems. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems handled various driving conditions smoothly and transparently.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Pathfinder's standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and rear automatic braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim, with traffic sign recognition available on higher trims.