Mercedes-Benz has become one of the world’s most well-known luxury car brands.
These days, they have a wide line-up and even produce some SUV models that are among the best in their class. With so many models to choose from though, it can be hard to determine which is the best Mercedes SUV for you.
In this article, we are not just going to focus on the all-out best Mercedes SUV but also on the ones that are the best in each category.
What is the best Mercedes SUV?
Rated as the best Mercedes SUV by consumers is the Mercedes-Benz GLC. It is the highest-ranking SUV in the Mercedes line up as determined by the J.D. Power Verified Consumer Ratings and it is the best-selling Mercedes SUV in the US.
While it may not be the most powerful or luxurious SUV in the Mercedes arsenal, it is considered to be the best Mercedes SUV overall.
But what if the GLC doesn’t meet your needs? Mercedes has many more options.
Different types of SUVs from Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz has a large variety of different SUVs. Each of which has a different purpose and a different market, but which is best for you?
Let’s break down the different models into the various SUV types available from Mercedes.
Subcompact Luxury Crossover SUV:
- Mercedes-Benz GLA
Compact Luxury Crossover SUV:
- Mercedes-Benz GLB
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe
Mid-size Luxury SUV:
- Mercedes-Benz GLE
- Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
Full-size Crossover Luxury SUV:
- Mercedes-Benz GLS
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS600
Luxury SUV:
- Mercedes G-Class
Now that you have a better idea of the variety of SUVs available from Mercedes-Benz, let’s help you find the perfect one for your needs.
Best family SUV from Mercedes
The Mercedes-Benz GLS is the best family SUV in the line-up, to think even with the third-row seats up it still has a very decent-sized cargo area, big enough for the family dog or a large grocery run.
It can carry up to 7 people and four of the 5 rear seats have ISOfix to ensure the little ones are safely secured.
The cargo area is 470 liters (16.6 cu ft) with all the seats in an upright position. To put that into perspective, that is around the same as the average family hatchback cargo area.
When the third row is down this increases to 890 liters (31.4 cu ft), and when in “van” mode (only the 2 front seats up) it is an insane 2,400 liter (84.8 cu ft) volume.
So you could even do some sizable shopping at Home Depot with this SUV.
Best Mercedes SUV for offroading
You don’t have to look any further than the Mercedes G-Class. While it has taken a more luxurious turn, even the latest models are still being used by militaries and government agencies thanks to its rough and ready offroading capabilities.
With an offroading pedigree that stretches back as far as 1972 when Daimler-Benz and Steyr-Daimler-Puch developed the first prototype.
Since the first G-Class, the design hasn’t changed that much as the boxy design allows for the best offroading experience. You can easily see where the corners of the car are and the axles are as far back and to the front as possible for the best approach and departure angles.
Also, the rear, center, and front diff locks in low range making it almost unstoppable in offroading situations.
If all that wasn’t enough, the G in the G-Class stands for “Geländewagen”, which is German for “terrain vehicle”, so you know it means business.
Best Mercedes SUV for towing
The Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4Matic is the best Mercedes SUV for towing trailers, caravans, etc. The GLE 350 4Matic can tow up to 3.5 tons (7716 lbs).
The GLE even has some helpful electronics that can assist you with towing. At low speeds (under 3mph) it has a trailer maneuvering assist that controls the steering angle of the GLE to help you reverse a trailer and with dynamic guidelines on the infotainment screen.
On the inside, the GLE is practical with a cargo space of 630 liters (22.2 cu ft) that can be expanded to 2,055 liters (72.6 cu ft) when the seats are laid flat.
There are 3 SUVs in the Mercedes lineup that can tow 3.5 tons (7716 lbs), but we went with the most budget-friendly option as the winner in this category.
Compared to the other 2 contenders the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4Matic is very reasonably priced starting at $62,825 while the base model G-Class starts off at $208,531 and the GLS base model at $83,044.
Most Affordable Mercedes SUV
Considering the practicality, the price, and what you get for the money the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic is the most affordable Mercedes SUV.
The price difference between the 2WD version ($43,004 – $44,519) and 4WD ($45,344 – $46,550) is so small and with the advantage of 4WD, it is worth it.
Compared to the best-selling model, the GLC, the GLB has a larger cargo area and has a lower retail price.
While the GLB out trumps the GLC on the interior size it can only tow 2 tons (4409 lbs) compared to the GLC that can tow 2.5 tons (5512 lbs) but is that worth an extra $3,000? Only your towing needs can tell.
The GLB is also ranked #6 in the best compact premium SUVs of 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mercedes SUV is the most reliable?
According to the J.D. Power ratings, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE are at a tie with a rating of 78 out of 100 which makes them the most reliable Mercedes SUVs you can buy now.
The GLE is ranked second overall in the upper midsize premium SUV category for 2022 and the GLC is 4th in the best compact premium SUV category.
Which is the most luxurious Mercedes SUV?
The most Luxurious Mercedes SUV is the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 which competes directly with the Rolls Royce Cullinan.
With a starting price of $160,500 and can go as high as $186,270 if you like options like Diamond White metallic paint, Crystal White and Silver Grey Pearl leather seats, and 23” Maybach Forged wheels.
Which Mercedes SUV is the sportiest?
Some people only measure sportiness by outright power but if you want to take your SUV to a track day the best option will be the lightest and lowest option. Therefore, the sportiest Mercedes SUV is the Mercedes GLA 45 S 4Matic+.
With 421HP the GLA 45 S is no slouch and can accelerate to 60mph in a blistering 4,3 seconds.
Final thoughts on the best Mercedes SUV
When it comes to the best Mercedes SUV for you, there are a few things you need to take into account.
The first is your budget, all of these SUVs are on the higher end of the pricing scale. The next consideration is what you plan to use the vehicle for.
If you’re looking for an off-road vehicle that can handle any terrain, the G-Class is your best option.
If towing capacity is important to you, there are 3 options that can tow 3.5 tons (7716 lbs), but we recommend the Mercedes Benz GLE 350 4Matic as it is the most affordable option.
For the most family-friendly Mercedes SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is the ideal choice. And if you’re just looking for a great allrounder, the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4Matic won’t leave you disappointed.
We hope this article has been helpful in helping you decide which Mercedes SUVs are best for your needs.
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