Ford Explorer vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class: Which Should You Buy in Oman?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across Oman.

⁦Ford Explorer⁩ VS ⁦Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class⁩: the verdict

The Ford Explorer is the clear winner for value-conscious buyers needing a spacious 7-seater SUV, offering practicality at an accessible price. However, those prioritizing premium luxury, exhilarating performance, and a larger boot will find the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a superior, albeit significantly more expensive, choice.
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Price Comparison
Starting at19,750 – 23,900 OMR46,694 – 70,912 OMR
Engine & Power
Engine2,300 – 3,300 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,996 – 5,461 cc · 6 – 8 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)285 – 400 hp367 – 585 hp
Torque (Nm)353 – 563 Nm500 – 760 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.5 – 7.1 s4.2 – 5.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)180 – 237 km/h250 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)7.8 – 11.7 L/100km7 – 11.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity67 L85 – 93 L
Gears107 – 9
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m4.8 / 4.9 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m2.9 / 3.0 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,970 – 2,132 kg2,160 – 2,270 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)515 L690 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSUV Crossover
Seating Capacity7 seats5 seats
Doors5 doors5 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAir ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAlloy RimsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBody Colored GrilleBody KItBreakover AngleBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCooled SeatsCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)Daytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDual Exhaust TipDVD PlayerDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofEmergency Brake AssistFabric SeatsFire ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHeadroomHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHybridInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLane Departure Warning SystemLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLumbar SupportManual ACMap Reading LampsMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun Flat TiresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSecurity SystemSide Impact BarSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSuperchargerTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsToolkitTorqueTorque SteerTouchscreen SizeTowing HookTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrunk CapacityTurbochargerTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Welcome LightWheel SizeWheelbaseWheels - SteelWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive BrakeAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAttention AssistAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Retractable Hardtop RoofAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrake CalipersBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Door MirrorsChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate ControlCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDoor ReflectorsDrive ComputerDVDDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric CurtainElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFrameless DoorsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistHill Descent ControlIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizeriPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLive Traffic InformationLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresOverhead Console Sunglass HolderPaddle ShiftersPanoramic Glass RoofParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC ControlsRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRollover Stability ControlRoof RailsRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSkid PlatesSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSport PedalsSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverToolkitTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayTyre Repair KitUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Families

The Ford Explorer is the standout choice for larger families, comfortably seating 7 passengers as standard, making it ideal for daily commutes and road trips.

2

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

For drivers who demand exhilarating power and speed, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class reigns supreme with engines delivering up to 585 hp and acceleration as quick as 4.2 seconds.

3

Best for Cargo Capacity

If maximum luggage space is a priority, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers a generous 690 liters of trunk capacity, significantly more than the Explorer's 515 liters.

4

Best Value for Money

The Ford Explorer offers exceptional value, starting at 19,750 OMR, making it the smarter economic choice for a capable and spacious SUV compared to the GLE-Class's premium pricing.

Pros & cons

Ford Explorer

Pros

  • Significantly more affordable starting price (19,750 OMR)
  • Standard 7-seat capacity
  • Good fuel economy on base trims (7.8 L/100km)
  • Spacious interior for its price point

Cons

  • Lower maximum power output (up to 400 hp)
  • Slower acceleration (minimum 5.5 seconds)
  • Smaller trunk space (515 L)
  • Lower top speed (maximum 237 km/h)

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Pros

  • Superior engine power (up to 585 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (as quick as 4.2 seconds)
  • Larger trunk capacity (690 L)
  • Higher top speed (250 km/h)
  • Larger fuel tank capacity (up to 93 L)

Cons

  • Significantly higher starting price (46,694 OMR)
  • Only 5-seat capacity
  • Higher fuel consumption on some trims (up to 11.8 L/100km)
  • Heavier kerb weight (up to 2,270 kg)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class a better value for money?

The Ford Explorer offers significantly better value with a starting price of 19,750 OMR compared to the GLE-Class's 46,694 OMR. If budget is a primary concern and you need a practical, family-friendly SUV, the Explorer is the clear winner. The GLE-Class is a luxury vehicle, justified by its premium features and performance.

Which SUV is better for a large family, the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

For larger families, the Ford Explorer is the superior choice as it comes standard with 7 seats, accommodating more passengers comfortably. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, by contrast, offers only 5 seats. Therefore, if seating capacity for more than five is essential, choose the Ford Explorer.

How does the performance of the Ford Explorer compare to the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offers significantly higher performance, with engines producing up to 585 hp and an acceleration time as low as 4.2 seconds. The Ford Explorer, while capable, peaks at 400 hp and 5.5 seconds for acceleration. For an exhilarating driving experience and superior power, the GLE-Class is unmatched.

Which car, the Ford Explorer or Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, has more trunk space?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provides more trunk capacity, offering 690 liters compared to the Ford Explorer's 515 liters. If you frequently need to carry large amounts of luggage or cargo, the GLE-Class offers a considerable advantage in practicality.