2025 Nissan Armada vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Nissan Armada presented a bold and commanding presence with its high beltline and prominent grille, reminiscent of the Infiniti QX80. The front fascia was elevated, accentuated by a higher ground clearance, and the PRO-4X variant stood out with its skid plate. The new C-shaped LED lighting signature added a modern touch, while the side profile appeared larger and more professional, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X model featured rugged elements like black plastic cladding and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the Armada offered a luxurious experience, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim, with leather upholstery and a sophisticated cabin design. The interior color schemes varied across trims, with the Platinum Reserve showcasing a Chestnut with Rye theme, creating a plush and inviting atmosphere.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, available in ten versions, ranged from the GLE 350 with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe with a hand-built twin-turbo V8. Our focus was on the GLE 450, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450 came with the Exclusive Package and the Manufaktur Edition Package, adding exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and premium Nappa leather. Despite its luxurious features, the GLE's exterior design was criticized for its egg-like shape, though the Coupe variant's roofline improved its aesthetics. Inside, the GLE boasted a refined cabin with matte-finish wood, ambient lighting, and digital displays. The steering wheel controls were touch-sensitive, and while the stereo volume slider was tricky, a thumbwheel on the center console provided a practical solution.

The 2025 Nissan Armada was powered by a new 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, an improvement over its predecessor. 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 was exclusively 4WD, equipped with features like an electronic locking rear differential and metal skid plates. The adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Armada Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada could tow up to 8,500 pounds and included trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a balanced feel, while off-road, the PRO-4X's suspension excelled in challenging conditions.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, except for the base GLE 350, provided versatility. The GLE 450's towing capacity was 7,700 pounds, and it included off-road features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a transparent hood camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting its performance in city and mountain driving. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode, and the brakes were grabby in typical driving situations. Despite these issues, the GLE offered a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured comfortable "Zero Gravity" seats with power adjustments, and higher trims offered seat cooling and heating options. The three-row SUV provided flexible seating configurations, with captain’s chairs available in the Platinum trims. Cargo volume increased across all rows, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in total. Headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with the third row gaining 4.5 inches of legroom.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat was spacious but had a low seating position for a flat load floor. A third-row seat was an expensive option, providing additional seating with USB-C ports. The GLE's cargo space measured 33.3 cubic feet behind the back seat and 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included practical features like a netted compartment, hooks, and a spare tire under the load floor.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, 12.3-inch on lower trims and 14.3-inch on higher trims, housed side by side. 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 viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional from the SL trim level. The SL trim and above featured a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System, offering an impressive audio experience.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics and a biometric authentication system. The Exclusive Package included a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality video for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package added Online Music Streaming, enhancing the entertainment options.

The 2025 Nissan Armada included Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist suite, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1, standard on higher trims, managed speed based on navigation data. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on select trims, offered hands-free highway-driving assist. Nissan Safety Shield 360 provided features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. The Armada SL and above featured a surround-view camera, with higher trims offering a 3D Around View Monitor and Invisible Hood View.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. Active Emergency Stop Assist, part of the package, stopped the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive. The GLE's driver aids worked well overall, but the route-based speed-adjustment feature was problematic. The GLE earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS, but NHTSA ratings were unavailable.