Last updated: 2026-05-15

Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Mercedes-Benz GLE currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 54/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLE Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is in its fourth generation, which debuted in 2020, with a facelift occurring in 2024. This places the GLE in the mature phase of its current generation, suggesting many initial issues have been addressed, potentially enhancing reliability. Earlier models, like the third generation (2012–2019), saw a facelift in 2016, indicating that Mercedes-Benz has a history of refining mid-cycle to improve performance and reliability. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport lacks detailed generation history, making it challenging to assess its evolution and reliability trends directly. However, without specific generation data, buyers may find it harder to judge where the model stands in its lifecycle compared to the GLE.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, scoring 68/100 vs 54/100.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE outshines the Land Rover Range Rover Sport in terms of reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 68/100 compared to the Range Rover Sport's 54/100. The GLE has a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 0.6 per 10,000 sold, while the Range Rover Sport reports a much higher rate of 56.4 per 10,000 sold. Additionally, the GLE has fewer recalls over a shorter period, with 98 recalls across 8 years, against the Range Rover Sport's 177 over 9 years. These factors, alongside common issues in both vehicles, position the GLE as the more reliable choice in this comparison.

Key Differences

  1. 1Mercedes-Benz GLE has 79 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Mercedes-Benz GLE has 55.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Mercedes-Benz GLE scores 14 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

0Land Rover Range Rover Sport
3Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Which Is More Reliable?

Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLE at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricLand Rover Range Rover SportMercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score54/10068/100
Years Tracked98
Total Recalls17798
Complaints per 10k Sold56.40.6
Year Wins07

What Are the Common Problems With the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Mercedes-Benz GLE?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport exhibit distinct problem profiles in terms of reported issues. The Range Rover Sport has a notably higher number of total complaints at 757, with significant concerns in the electrical system and power train, including 14 crash-linked cases. In contrast, the GLE has 410 complaints, with fewer crash-linked issues, though the electrical system and power train also represent prominent areas of concern. While both models show vulnerabilities in the electrical systems, the Range Rover Sport's higher incidence of power train and unknown or other category complaints, particularly those linked to crashes, indicates a more pronounced risk in these areas compared to the GLE.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLE common problem areas comparison
ComponentLand Rover Range Rover SportMercedes-Benz GLE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13.8Above Avg0.1Very Low
POWER TRAIN6.6Average0.1Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6.6AverageNone
ENGINE4.8Average0.1Very Low
STEERING3.7AverageNone
VISIBILITY/WIPER3.5AverageNone
AIR BAGS1.6LowNone
STRUCTURE1.6LowNone
SUSPENSION1.3LowNone
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1.2LowNone
SERVICE BRAKES1.1LowNone
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1.1LowNone
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.7Very LowNone
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.5Very LowNone
VISIBILITY0.4Very LowNone
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES0.4Very LowNone
LANE DEPARTURE0.1Very LowNone
SEAT BELTS0.1Very LowNone
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very LowNone
FUEL SYSTEMNoneNone
TIRESNoneNone

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

How Does Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLE Reliability Compare by Year?

Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLE year-by-year reliability scores
YearLand Rover Range Rover SportMercedes-Benz GLEEdge
202464/10022R / 47C70/1008R / 59CMercedes-Benz GLE
202352/10027R / 125C70/1005R / 29CMercedes-Benz GLE
202253/10023R / 94C68/10011R / 58CMercedes-Benz GLE
202153/10023R / 72C65/10022R / 76CMercedes-Benz GLE
202042/10037R / 138C61/10036R / 112CMercedes-Benz GLE
201956/10014R / 90C70/1006R / 22CMercedes-Benz GLE
201847/10019R / 167C69/1009R / 51CMercedes-Benz GLE
2026(predicted)61/100(predicted)69/100(predicted)Mercedes-Benz GLE

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport scored 64/100 and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

If you prioritize reliability and fewer headaches, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is the more sensible choice. With a reliability score of 68/100 and significantly fewer recalls (98) compared to the Land Rover Range Rover Sport's 177, the GLE promises a smoother ownership experience. Additionally, its low owner complaints rate of 0.6 per 10,000 sold indicates a generally satisfied customer base. While it does have issues with the electrical system and engine, the overall figures suggest these are less frequent than with its competitor. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Range Rover Sport for its distinctive style and off-road capabilities, be prepared for potential reliability challenges. Its lower reliability score of 54/100, coupled with a high complaint rate of 56.4 per 10,000 sold, highlights the likelihood of encountering more frequent issues, particularly with the electrical system and steering. Consider this option if you're comfortable with potentially higher maintenance demands and value its unique driving appeal.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: Common Questions

Is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Based on our data, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 54/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport has more recalls (177) compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE (98). 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport or the Mercedes-Benz GLE?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz GLE has a lower complaint rate at 0.6 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 56.4 for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

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

3

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.

4

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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