Compare

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs Tesla Model Y

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs 2026 Tesla Model Y — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.

🚗

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV
VS3 – 1Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class wins 3 of 4 categories
Tesla Model Y

2026 Tesla Model Y

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDAWD/4WDHybrid/EV

Swap in a different car →

The short version

That works out to about $3,000 a year less in fuel for the Tesla Model Y (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).

Across all model years since 2005, the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class has had fewer recall campaigns (0 vs 43).

The two cars

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 4.0L 8-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (21 city / 28 highway), 11% worse than the 2026 small SUV average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.

The 2026 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 189 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 114-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,363 lb.

Buying used? The 2024 GLE-Class and the 2024 Model Y have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2023 Model Y.

Basics

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Hybrid
Fuel
EV
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.0L 8-cyl turbo
Engines
EV
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive

Efficiency

23 MPG
Best combined MPG
–
21 city
City / highway MPG (best)
–
–
EV range
357 mi
$3,550
Fuel cost per year (EPA)
$550

Performance & space

–
Seats (most)
5
–
Length
188.6 in
–
Width
78 in
–
Height
63.8 in
–
Curb weight (lightest)
4,363 lb

Safety & reliability

–
Driver-assist features standard
12
0
Recalls (2026)
8
0
Recalls, all years since 2005
43
0
Owner complaints (latest year)
424

Interest

–
Wikipedia views, 30 days
33,157

Buying used

2024
Best used year
2024
–
Year to avoid
2023

Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →

Which one should you choose?

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if…

  • You put reliability history first (0 vs 43 recalls since 2005)

Choose the Tesla Model Y if…

  • You want an EV with more range (357 miles)

Pros & cons of each

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.

2026 Tesla Model Y

  • Long EV rangeUp to 357 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Full 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class specs →Full 2026 Tesla Model Y specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →