2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

2026 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

If you're looking at the 2026 Acura MDX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, you'll notice both are premium midsize SUVs. The Acura is a great choice for anyone who wants luxury, useful features, and a smooth, confident drive. It feels refined and upscale but still handles everyday driving with ease.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE has stylish looks and a well-known name, but the 2026 Acura MDX gives you more space, flexibility, and comfort for daily use. That's why many car buyers in Columbus, GA, see the Acura MDX as a smart pick, especially at Acura of Columbus.

View Acura MDX Inventory

Performance Capabilities

Every 2026 Acura MDX comes with a strong 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. SH-AWD® models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension help the MDX feel stable and responsive, especially when turning or changing lanes.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC uses a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with mild-hybrid assistance and a nine-speed automatic. Its towing figure is higher at 7,700 pounds, so buyers with heavier towing needs may notice that advantage. Most daily drivers around Auburn are not shopping this segment solely for max tow numbers. They want smooth power delivery, confident passing power, and a premium drive that does not feel entry-level. The standard V6 powertrain in the 2026 Acura MDX provides a more satisfying baseline.

Key 2026 Acura MDX advantages:

  • Standard V6 engine with 290 horsepower
  • 10-speed automatic transmission
  • Available SH-AWD®
  • Up to 5,000 pounds of towing
  • Available Type S Advance with a 355-horsepower turbo V6, adaptive air suspension, and Brembo® front brakes

Exterior Design

The 2026 Acura MDX has a sharp, athletic look with a wide stance, Chicane™ LED lights, Jewel Eye® LED headlights, and sporty trim lines. Features like the panoramic moonroof and power liftgate come standard, so you don't have to pay extra for the features you want.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE has clean luxury-SUV styling and full LED lighting, but much of its curb appeal leans on upgrades, packages, and branding. Drivers around Opelika who want a premium SUV that already looks well-equipped and distinctive in standard form may find the 2026 Acura MDX easier to appreciate.

Interior Amenities

The cabin is one of the biggest reasons to choose the 2026 Acura MDX. Acura builds real usefulness into the design. The second row includes a removable middle seat, the front seats are heated, tri-zone climate control is standard, and upper trims add features such as 16-way power front seats with massage, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, open-pore wood trim, and a Bang & Olufsen® audio system with 19 speakers. Higher Type S trims push that even further with a 31-speaker Bang & Olufsen® setup.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE also offers luxury features such as heated power front seats, 64-color ambient lighting, and an optional Burmester® sound system. But with only five seats and a higher starting price, it's harder to overlook the value difference. For many people in Phenix City, the Acura MDX gives you more flexibility for families and more features for your money.

Safety and Connectivity Technology

The 2026 Acura MDX keeps up with what car buyers want most with a range of standard and available technologies, including:

  • Google built-in
  • A 12.3-inch color touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢
  • AcuraLink®
  • Wireless charging
  • A surround-view camera system
  • A 10.5-inch head-up display on select models.

Safety coverage is also more comprehensive in the new 2026 Acura MDX, which includes:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
  • Forward Collision Warning and Collision Mitigation Braking Systemâ„¢
  • Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Road Departure Mitigation
  • Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition
  • Blind Spot Information and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers well-known driver-assist features, PRE-SAFE, and MBUX. Still, the 2026 Acura MDX brings together premium technology, family-friendly features, and great value all in one SUV.

Learn More About Buying the 2026 Acura MDX at Acura of Columbus

If you want a luxury SUV with great style, strong performance, spacious three-row seating, and better value than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE, the 2026 Acura MDX is the smart choice.

Start your purchase from home by browsing our new 2026 Acura MDX inventory, searching our new car offers, and getting pre-approved for financing online.

To learn more about how to buy a car online, or to talk with one of our sales team members at Acura of Columbus, just contact us.