2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested amidst a snowstorm near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its rugged 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 conditions with ease. Its adventurous look was complemented by 18-inch beadlock-style wheels and a distinctive V-Motion grille. Despite its tough appearance, the Pathfinder remained a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or protective skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim featured leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos, offering comfort and practicality for cold-weather adventures.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, particularly the GLS 450 with the Manufaktur Edition Package, exuded luxury and sophistication. With exclusive paint colors and high-quality materials, the GLS offered a premium experience. The interior, similar to the smaller GLE-Class, featured massaging front and heated second-row captain’s chairs, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite some body creaks on chilly mornings, the GLS maintained a refined and comfortable ride. The dual 12.3-inch displays provided a user-friendly interface, and the vehicle's tailored feel made it easy to manage in urban and suburban settings.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim offered a slight boost to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. The nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Rock Creek's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the transmission oil cooler. Despite its off-road appearance, the Pathfinder was best suited for light off-roading, with a soft suspension that excelled on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty ones. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, delivering 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD enabled a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The GLS offered a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined. The Airmatic adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, and the Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes. While the GLS exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, its turbo-six engine sounded impressive under hard acceleration.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder offered ample interior space despite having less cargo capacity than some competitors. With 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 80.5 cubic feet with all seats folded, it accommodated a ski trip with ease. The Pathfinder featured three-zone climate control, comfortable seating, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat in the Rock Creek trim. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats, enhancing its family-friendly appeal.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS provided standard seven-passenger seating, with an optional six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The GLS excelled in comfort, offering heated and ventilated seats, massaging options, and a four-zone climate control system. While storage locations were limited, the GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The power-folding third row and hands-free power liftgate added convenience, though the cargo cover could be cumbersome during loading and unloading.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's technology lagged behind competitors, featuring an older infotainment system with an 8-inch screen in lower trims and a 9-inch screen in higher trims. While user-friendly with physical buttons and rotary knobs, the system lacked the modernity of rivals. The Pathfinder offered a 6-speaker stereo, with an optional 13-speaker Bose system on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported, but wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. Navigation was only available on the SL and Platinum trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the MBUX infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The system was easy to use, with a digital assistant activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” Additional options included gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. While the digital assistant occasionally faltered, the overall technology package was robust and user-friendly.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim, with traffic sign recognition available on higher trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS boasted nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While rear-seat side-impact airbags were optional, the GLS featured a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel. The system required active driver participation, and while it occasionally struggled on curvy roads, it generally provided a smooth and refined driving experience.