Suzuki Vitara vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
What's the difference?

Suzuki Vitara

$35,990 - $44,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

$138,028 - $279,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2026 Suzuki Vitara

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Diesel Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Old-fashioned charm
Performance/economy balance
Practical packaging

Practical and spacious
Comfortable ride
Easy power delivery

Dislikes

Ancient dashboard
High prices
Premium unleaded petrol preference

Almost unjustifiably expensive
Some will find interior outdated
Servicing costs

2026 Suzuki Vitara Summary

Now that the original Mitsubishi ASX is finally gone, the oldest small SUVs still on sale in Australia today are the Mazda CX-3 and Suzuki Vitara.

Both released in 2015, their longevity is due to a combination of good design, strong engineering, sound driving dynamics and an undefinable charm.

Given their high number of rotations around the sun, it’s also surprising that neither has received a major facelift in all this time. Clearly, their creators got it largely right early on.

Until now. The Vitara steps up with the Series III makeover, ushering in a fresh nose, larger central touchscreen and a hybrid tech upgrade for the (now-sole) turbo powertrain, among other more-minor changes.

Are these enough to keep the venerable Vitara from vulnerability?

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2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Summary

Well into its second generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLE remains a key player in the luxury large SUV space.

Though it lags well behind the BMW X5 in terms of sales, by about half in fact, the GLE still aims to exude status and luxury, helped by a facelift in 2023.

In its category, there are however plenty of badges with the power to lure buyers away: Audi, Porsche and Range Rover. Even non-Euros like Genesis and Lexus.

Despite the facelift, the category is moving on with big screens and more tech, where the GLE still has to rely on some traditional charm to win over wallets - especially in our big diesel ‘450d’ guise.

A week behind the wheel around and out of the city should reveal whether the GLE still has a strong-enough USP in 2025.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Suzuki Vitara 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Verdict

In car years, 11 is ancient.

Back when it was first released, this-generation Vitara’s competitive pricing, progressive yet pretty design, pleasant interior packaging, sporty dynamics and general driving ease helped establish the emerging small SUV segment into the powerhouse it is today.

In some ways, today’s Turbo Hybrid still impresses, especially with its punchy performance, promising economy and no-nonsense packaging. Objectively, it is still a decent proposition, with few actual vices.

But the 2026 Vitara’s high pricing, embarrassingly outdated interior, underwhelming specification and noisy ride leave it feeling too expensive, too old and too exposed against newer and more-sophisticated rivals.

Even the brightest stars eventually need to retire.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

Verdict

If you can get past the relatively steep asking price, the design appeals to you, and its slightly last-gen ergonomics work for you, then there’s a lot to like about the GLE. It’s a big, capable and comfortable cruiser, but given there are cheaper and more efficient options around, it would be a decision of the heart rather than the head.

Suzuki Vitara vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Vitara vs Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
What's the difference?