Compare performance (243 HP vs 585 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 78,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or Mercedes GLE?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The SUV segment is ever-growing, and two models that have piqued the interest of automotive enthusiasts in 2024 are the Ford Kuga and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Each of these vehicles embodies different philosophies when it comes to engineering, luxury, and performance. Let's dive into the technicalities and innovations that each vehicle brings to the table.
The Ford Kuga offers versatility with its engine options, including petrol, full hybrid, and plugin hybrid choices. The power output ranges from 150 HP to 243 HP, accommodating both efficiency and performance preferences. The Kuga comes with a manual gearbox or a CVT, and it provides both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options.
Conversely, the Mercedes GLE primarily focuses on engine performance with its diesel, petrol, and plugin hybrid MHEV options. Its power ranges from 289 HP to an impressive 634 HP, offering a wealth of variety for those craving more power under the hood. The GLE is exclusively equipped with an automatic gearbox, paired with an all-wheel drive system for superior traction and handling.
Both SUVs promise remarkable performance, but they cater to different needs when it comes to efficiency and speed. The Ford Kuga offers an average consumption as low as 0.9 L/100 km in its plugin hybrid variant, along with a noteworthy electric range up to 69 km.
The Mercedes GLE also shines with its plugin hybrid models offering an even more extensive electric range up to 114 km with consumption figures reaching as low as 0.5 L/100 km. However, the GLE models geared towards performance deliver maximum speeds up to 280 km/h and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
Practicality often influences the buying decision in the SUV segment. The Ford Kuga is compact with a length of up to 4645 mm, making it suitable for urban environments. It has a trunk capacity of 412 liters, catering to everyday needs for a family of five.
On the other hand, the Mercedes GLE is more tailored to accommodate space with length variations around 4961 mm and a significantly larger trunk capacity up to 655 liters. The extra space proves beneficial for long family trips or outdoor adventures.
Technological advancements in both models provide enhanced driving experiences. The Ford Kuga integrates efficient drivetrain technologies, ideal for eco-conscious drivers, with CO2 emissions as low as 20 g/km in hybrid versions.
The Mercedes GLE ups the ante by incorporating cutting-edge features tailored for luxury and performance. GLE's impressive CO2 emission figures, as low as 16 g/km in its greenest model, ensure environmentally friendly drives without sacrificing luxury or technology.
Choosing between the Ford Kuga and Mercedes GLE depends on one's needs for performance, efficiency, and practicality. The Ford Kuga presents an appealing option with its range of efficient engines and urban-friendly dimensions. Conversely, the Mercedes GLE stands out with superior power outputs, luxury amenities, and vast interior space, making it the choice for those seeking top-tier luxury and performance.
When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.
Ford Kuga is clearly cheaper – starting at 34,200 £ , while the Mercedes GLE costs 78,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 44,670 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Kuga uses 2.8 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Mercedes GLE with 3.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.4 L/100km.
As for electric range, the Mercedes GLE offers clearly more range – reaching up to 104 km, about 36 km more than the Ford Kuga.
Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.
When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLE offers clearly more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 342 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLE is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the Ford Kuga takes 7.3 s. That’s about 2.8 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLE delivers substantially more torque with 750 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 510 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Ford Kuga is significantly lighter – 1,526 kg compared to 2,390 kg. The difference is around 864 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLE carries noticeably more – 770 kg compared to 550 kg. That’s a difference of about 220 kg.
The Mercedes GLE is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Ford Kuga is a practical and comfortable compact SUV that balances everyday usability with a composed ride and adaptable interior. It offers sensible tech and safety features, making it a solid choice for families or anyone seeking a versatile, easy-to-live-with crossover.
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The Mercedes GLE blends luxurious comfort with a confident road presence, wrapping tech and refinement in an SUV shape that still knows how to behave on a twisty back road. Inside it's plush and quiet, with clever storage and driver aids that make long trips effortless — plus the badge gives it that easy-to-respect curb appeal.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
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Price
78,900 - 115,800 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
3.2 - 10.6 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
68 km
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Electric Range
91 - 104 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
55 - 154 g/km
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co2
72 - 241 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
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Curb weight
2,390 - 2,815 kg
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Trunk capacity
-
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Trunk capacity
485 - 655 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,882 mm
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Width
2,010 - 2,018 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
541 - 550 kg
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Payload
495 - 770 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
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Transmission
Manual, Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
150 - 243 HP
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Power HP
309 - 585 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 6.2 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
240 Nm
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Torque
560 - 750 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Number of Cylinders
6
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Power kW
111 - 178 kW
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Power kW
227 - 430 kW
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Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
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Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
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Brand
Ford
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España