Is the Chevrolet Equinox-EV more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Based on our data, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Chevrolet Equinox-EV (7). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 sold versus 29.7 for the Chevrolet Equinox-EV. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Last updated: 2026-03-28

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Chevrolet Equinox-EV

Good

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Good

Choosing between the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and the Mercedes-Benz GLE? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chevrolet Equinox-EV currently leads with an average score of 69/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is in its fourth generation, which began in 2020. It underwent a facelift in 2024, indicating it is currently in the mature phase of its cycle. This maturity often translates to improved reliability as initial design issues are typically sorted out. In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV is in its first generation, launched in 2024 with a facelift introduced for the 2025 model year. Being early in its generation, the Equinox-EV might still be experiencing initial teething problems common with newer platforms. Buyers might find the GLE more reliable due to its established platform, while the Equinox-EV may still be refining its early design.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Equinox-EV is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, scoring 69/100 vs 67/100.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE and Chevrolet Equinox-EV both fall short of stellar reliability, with the GLE scoring 68/100 and the Equinox-EV slightly lower at 66/100. Despite its lower recall count of 7 in two years, the Equinox-EV suffers from a significantly higher complaint rate of 29.7 per 10,000 units compared to the GLE's 0.6, indicating more frequent owner issues relative to sales volume. The GLE's reliability is further marred by a higher number of recalls over eight years, totaling 98, with common problems in the electrical and powertrain systems. While both models have their shortcomings, the GLE's lower complaint rate suggests a marginally better reliability track record.

Key Differences

1Chevrolet Equinox-EV has 91 fewer total recalls
2Mercedes-Benz GLE has 29.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3Chevrolet Equinox-EV scores 2 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Chevrolet Equinox-EV

—

1Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Chevrolet Equinox-EV	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score	69/100	67/100
Years Tracked	3	8
Total Recalls	7	98
Complaints per 10k Sold	29.7	0.6
Year Wins	1	1

What Are the Common Problems With the Chevrolet Equinox-EV and Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE presents a diverse range of issues, with significant complaints related to the electrical system (76 complaints) and engine (50 complaints), alongside notable crash-linked problems in the power train (4) and service brakes (3). In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV's most prevalent problem area is visibility/wiper (126 complaints), which overshadows other categories, while also having crash-linked complaints in service brakes (3). Although both vehicles share issues in the electrical system and service brakes, the GLE has a broader distribution of problems, including vehicle speed control and power train concerns linked to crashes. The Equinox-EV, however, does not report any crash-linked issues in its most common complaint area, visibility/wiper.

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE common problem areas comparison
Component	Chevrolet Equinox-EV	Mercedes-Benz GLE
VISIBILITY/WIPER	14.5Above Avg	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3.9Average	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	2.9Low	—None
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.2Low	0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	2.3Low	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	0.9Very Low	—None
STEERING	0.7Very Low	—None
STRUCTURE	0.5Very Low	—None
POWER TRAIN	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION	0.3Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY	0.2Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.2Very Low	—None
ENGINE	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	—None
TIRES	—None	—None
AIR BAGS	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

How Does Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Chevrolet Equinox-EV	Mercedes-Benz GLE	Edge
2026	76/1000R / 0C	65/1001R / 3C	Chevrolet Equinox-EV
2024	67/1001R / 105C	70/1008R / 59C	Mercedes-Benz GLE

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox-EV scored 76/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

If you want the most reliable option with fewer recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV might be your better choice. With only 7 recalls compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 98, it shows a stronger track record in this regard. However, keep in mind that it has a higher rate of owner complaints at 29.7 per 10,000 sold. If you're comfortable addressing these complaints through warranty service, the Equinox-EV could be a solid pick, especially if you prefer electric vehicles and value modern tech features. On the other hand, if you prioritize a luxury experience and are willing to accept a slightly higher reliability score of 68/100, the Mercedes-Benz GLE might be more appealing. Despite its higher recall count, it has significantly fewer owner complaints at just 0.6 per 10,000 sold, indicating potential satisfaction among owners. If you appreciate a premium interior and advanced driving dynamics, the GLE could be the right fit for you.

Chevrolet Equinox-EV vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions

Is the Chevrolet Equinox-EV more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Based on our data, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV is more reliable with an average score of 69/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: The Mercedes-Benz GLE has more recalls (98) compared to the Chevrolet Equinox-EV (7). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chevrolet Equinox-EV or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 sold versus 29.7 for the Chevrolet Equinox-EV. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

More Chevrolet Equinox-EV comparisons

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More Mercedes-Benz GLE comparisons

Mercedes-Benz GLE vs BMW X5 reliability Mercedes-Benz GLE reliability by year Mercedes-Benz GLE years to avoid

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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