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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas MileageUnder $20,000: Mercedes GLS vs Lincoln Navigator
When brand-new isn’t an option and you’ve got a budget of under $20,000, what is the better buy: a used Mercedes GLS or a used Lincoln Navigator?
Turning Back Time
With Escalades and Range Rovers, there’s a lot of competition in the large luxury SUV class, but, depending on the model year, the Mercedes-Benz GLS and Lincoln Navigator have solid positions on that list.
A brand-new 2021 GLS will cost upwards of $75,000. The same goes for a new 2021 Navigator. There are listings for used models under $20,000. You’re generally getting down into the 2013 model year and below for that price range though.
So, let’s take a look at a 2013 Navigator and a 2013 GLS so we can put them head-to-head. Turn back time to 2013, when the Navigator was in the middle of its third generation and the GLS, still called the GL-Class, was kicking off its second generation.
Specs
The used Lincoln Navigator makes 310 horsepower with a 5.4L V8 engine getting 365 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. That combination will reach 0-60mph in about 8.2 seconds.
Compare that to a 2013 GL-class, which offered several engines. The first was a 240-horsepower 3.0L turbodiesel V6 with 455 lb-ft of torque. They also offered a 362-horsepower turbo V8 and a 429-horsepower turbo V8. Available in AWD, the base GL trim went 0-60mph in just 7.5 seconds. If you go up to the GL450, the 4.7L V8 will get to 60mph in 6.0 seconds.
It’s unlikely you’ll be using either of these big, heavy vehicles to fill your need for speed, but the Navigator doesn’t have the oomph that the GL has.
Driving & Performance
The Navigator handles with relative ease and has a responsive transmission. Steering is easy enough. Overall, it’s a strong performance. The GLS is composed and quiet on the road. Suspension is a little stiff and steering is light, but it has good road manners even around curves.
Either of these SUVs is going to provide a comfortable ride, but you’ll have to sit in them to determine your specific tastes to really decide.
When it comes to fuel economy, the GL got a 19 city and 26 highway mpg. The Navigator was significantly lower at 14 city and 20 highway mpg. The Navigator can carry more gallons, however. It holds 28 gallons, while the GL has room for 26.4 gallons.
If you’re hauling something with a dead weight hitch, each of these can handle 5,000 lbs. A weight-distributing hitch changes things, with the Navigator handling 9,000 lbs. and the GL handling 7,500 lbs.
Interior & Comfort
You’ll notice wood accents throughout the cabin of the Navigator. They aren’t bad but do look dated as we look back on it now. The leather holds up though. Meanwhile, the GL-Class feels a bit more luxurious, with soft leather seats. It also has wood trim, but less of it, so it doesn’t stand out as much. Both dashboards seem well-designed, but the GL-Class is just a little easier to navigate.
Either of these will work as a modern-day family hauler. You can get 7-8 passengers in each of them without much struggle. The GL-Class has a second-row bench that seats three. It also folds down if you are trying to access the third row. Power-folding third-row seats are available in the GL-Class, but they aren’t standard. The Navigator comes with second-row captain’s chairs, but a split-bench can be added instead. A power-folding third row is standard there.
The Navigator is the one to get if you want leg room. It has 37.7 in the third row and 39.1 inches in the second row. The GL has 35 inches in the third and 38.5 in the second. Moving up to the front row, the Navigator has 41.1 inches of leg room while the GL has 40.3 inches.
Trims & Features
2013 versions of the vehicles have Bluetooth connections, USB and power outlets. They also both have backup cameras, but some of the similarities end shortly after that.
Two trims are offered with the Navigator: the base trim and the Navigator L. Each trim has a 14-speaker THX sound system. The touchscreen navigation is simple to use. Dual-zone automatic climate control is always nice to have. Navigator add-on features include: a power moonroof and a rear-seat entertainment system (with an 8-inch touchscreen).
When it comes to safety, the Navigator will get you side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for all three rows, and rear parking sensors.
The Mercedes GL-Class has one more trim than the Navigator: the GL350, the GL450, and the GL550. No matter the trim, a 7-inch touchscreen is included. Dual-zone climate control shows up here, too.
It also has first row side-impact airbags, but if you’re sitting in the second row of a GL, you’ll get that airbag protection as well. GL has additional safety options available, like blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and lane keep assist, but they aren’t included. The rear-seat entertainment system and an upgraded audio system are extra.
It comes down to options and updates
Looking at the comparisons, the GL-Class is what caught my attention. True, it’s lacking a bit on the leg room, but it shines in other areas. It seems to have better performance and, with more trims, has a wide range of powertrains. I’m usually the one saying, “I don’t need that feature and I don’t want that feature,” but options can be nice.
Whether it’s under the hood or the interior styling, the 2013 Lincoln Navigator, with no significant changes, was behind the times in many ways while the 2013 Mercedes GL-Class benefitted from updates that kicked off the new generation of that vehicle.
