carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $72,820–$96,483 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 5.9/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.2/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.4/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $72,820–$96,483, 17 MPG, seating 7, the Mercedes-Benz GLS sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.1/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance and value and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $72,820 starting price is about 102% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.0 — and starts roughly $7,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.2/10 | $85,232 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.2/10 | $85,232 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $82,750 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $80,267 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.1/10 | $77,785 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $75,302 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $72,820 | |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $70,337 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $67,855 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $65,372 | Read review → |
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
