carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $85,232–$104,626 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.5/10, while Reliability at 6.3/10 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 6.3/10 — 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 8.4/10: 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 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.5/10 — 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 $85,232–$104,626, 21 MPG, seating 7, the Mercedes-Benz GLS sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS, but it needs the right buyer. Its 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 2026 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 $85,232 starting price is about 136% above the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the GLS model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $85,232 | |
| 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 | 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 → |
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.