carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $80,267–$98,528 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.1/10, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, while Value at 6.0/10 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 6.4/10 — 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 8.3/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.3/10 — 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 $80,267–$98,528, 20 MPG, seating 7, the Mercedes-Benz GLS sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.0/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 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.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and value 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $80,267 starting price is about 122% 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.1 — 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 (this review) | 7.1/10 | $80,267 | |
| 2022 | 7.1/10 | $77,785 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.2/10 | $75,302 | Read review → |
| 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 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS's reliability 6.4/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS starts at $80,267 and ranges up to $98,528 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/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.