2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking the beginning of its third generation. It adopted a modern aesthetic inspired by VW's electric vehicles, most notably seen in its narrower headlights and illuminated VW badge and light bar on the top SEL R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, occupying the lower half of the front fascia, with smaller actual openings and large air intakes flanking it. The side profile featured a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and dark-tinted windows. The rear showcased a single bar taillight spanning the liftgate, with illuminated logos on the top trim. Inside, the Tiguan embraced a minimalist design with a tablet-like infotainment display and digital instrument panel. The gear selector moved to the steering column, freeing up storage space. Materials were average for the class, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas, though rear seats used more durable plastics.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ten versions, ranging from $63,600 to $134,500, with assembly in Alabama. The GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. Standard AWD was available on all but the base GLE 350. The Manufaktur Edition Package added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and premium leather. The GLE's exterior design was considered bland, but the interior was elegantly detailed with quality materials, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The climate controls were separate from the touchscreen, and the steering wheel featured touch-sensing controls. The GLE's cabin was luxurious, with a focus on comfort and technology.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, while AWD was available on all models and standard on the top SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds, offering adequate performance for most drivers. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly, and the suspension favored comfort while maintaining composure in corners. The cabin was quiet, with minimal tire and wind noise. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450's turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, combined with a mild-hybrid system, generated 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and multiple driving modes. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds and included off-road features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a "transparent hood" camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, affecting city and mountain road driving. The steering felt numb, and the brakes were grabby in typical driving situations. The GLE's cabin was quiet, and it achieved 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. Headroom remained sufficient for average-sized adults. The elimination of capacitive-touch buttons improved usability, with traditional controls on the steering wheel. Outward visibility was comparable to other small SUVs. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new area appeared smaller than before. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate were standard on most trims.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured 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 roomy but had a low seating position. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with a spare tire and hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless phone charger. Capacitive-touch sliders adorned the infotainment screen frame, but a new volume knob on the center console improved usability. The Atmospheres feature combined ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on the top trim. VW's Car-Net system included remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The displays offered lush graphics and minimal reflections. A biometric authentication system loaded user profiles, and the digital voice assistant performed well. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and augmented-reality video for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. Online Music Streaming was included in the Exclusive Package.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not available, but it included standard advanced safety features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The Emergency Assist system slowed the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, traffic sign reader, and semi-automated parking system. The safety features functioned well without false alarms or oversensitivity.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pre-Safe Sound feature protected occupants' hearing during a collision. Parking aids included sensors, a surround-view camera, and a semi-automated parking system. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other features. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist brought the vehicle to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The IIHS named the GLE a "Top Safety Pick+," but the NHTSA had not rated it.