carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $75,302–$93,280 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Value at 6.2/10 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.3/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
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. The cabin tech earns 8.5/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $75,302–$93,280, 18 MPG, seating 7, the Mercedes-Benz GLS sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS ranks #1611 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 34% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $75,302 starting price is about 109% 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 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLS scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — 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 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $75,302 | |
| 2020 | 7.0/10 | $72,820 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $70,337 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.9/10 | $67,855 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.8/10 | $65,372 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS's reliability 6.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #1611 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 34% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS starts at $75,302 and ranges up to $93,280 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.