10 Mercedes SUVs You Should Buy Used

In the last decade or so, demand for SUVs has skyrocketed, making up 81% of automotive sales last year. Surprisingly, no German brands featured in our list of best-selling SUVs in 2024, perhaps due to their premium price tags. However, you could get used luxury vehicles without the hefty price tag on the used market, and we’ve pulled together the top 10 Mercedes-Benz SUVs you should buy used.

There are a few important checks you should cover before buying a used SUV, particularly one that had a big price tag when new. Though most are simply used as regular vehicles, some may have been used for tougher tasks, like towing, or driving off-road. Reliability is another important pre-purchase check, otherwise, you could spend a fortune on maintenance. Therefore, making sure you check a used vehicle extensively is crucial to prevent any nasty surprises and avoid getting ripped off.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Mercedes-Benz and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book. We’ve ranked them by reliability, from lowest to highest scoring.

10

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB

Reliability Score: 70/100

Even with a good reliability score of 70/100 from J.D. Power, the Mercedes-Benz GLB is one of the least reliable SUVs from the German automaker. That’s not to say it’s not good, though. The GLB is a luxurious compact SUV aimed at families, with two or three rows of seating available for up to seven passengers. A boxy design provides consistent headroom throughout, and resembles the posher GLS, but only kids will get comfortable in the rearmost seats.

GLB250 Performance Specifications

Pros

• Advanced infotainment system with AI assistant
• Modern cabin
• Looks like a more prestigious GLS

Cons

• Still new to the market, so expensive used pricing
• Cramped third row
• Entry-level is basic

9

2017 Mercedes-AMG GLC 43

Reliability Score: 71/100

If you enjoy sports cars but need more space, then you can have both. The Mercedes-Benz GLC43 AMG is a performance SUV packed with all the luxuries and technology expected in a car wearing the silver star. Despite the lesser 43 engines missing out on the true hand-assembled AMG treatment, it’s fairly robust. This gives the GLC43 AMG a reliability score of 71/100.

GLC 43 Performance Specifications

Pros

• High-performance
• Sports exhaust sounds nice
• All-wheel drive grips the road in corners

Cons

• Rear seats are a bit tight, especially in coupe form
• Sports-tuned suspension is stiff
• Reduced fuel economy compared to GLC300

8

2023 Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV

Reliability Score: 74/100

It’s hard to judge a new vehicle’s reliability, but J.D. Power gives the EQS SUV a score of 74/100. We’ve included it in this list because you can get a massively depreciated electric vehicle at just two years old. The EQS SUV is an ultra-luxurious SUV inspired by Maybach. It has state-of-the-art technology, including an MBUX Hyperscreen that covers the full length of the dashboard, and adaptive air suspension.

EQS450+ Performance Specifications

Pros

• Standard air suspension
• Advanced technology
• Lightly used models are less than half their original value

Cons

• Still over $40,000
• Available third row is squeezed in
• Big blind spots

7

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC

Reliability Score: 80/100

While the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC is part of the first-generation, it received a major refresh in 2020, bringing new powertrains. The new technology was a great move for the mid-size SUV, taking reliability scores to 80/100, compared to 72 in previous years. Even with all the updates, fuel economy is poor, and there’s still no touchscreen. The caveat here is the newer model year costs more. A fair purchase price for a 2021 GLC is $22,310.

GLC300 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros

• Newer, reliable powertrain
• Classy appearance
• Superb ride quality

Cons

• Rear seats feel cramped
• Poor fuel economy
• Infotainment still behind the times

6

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA

Reliability Score: 80/100

As the baby of the SUV family, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is based on the A-Class hatchback, with increased ride height and marginally more headroom. Since it’s an entry-level SUV on an entry-level platform, it’s not as luxurious as other Mercedes models in the range. However, this makes for an accessible price point for luxury on a budget. Plus, a score of 80/100 is a massive bonus.

GLA250 Performance Specifications

Pros

• Handles like a car rather than an SUV
• Sleek styling
• Modern technology

Cons

• Potentially high running costs
• Little cargo storage for an SUV
• Firm ride

5

2014 Mercedes-Benz GL

Reliability Score: 80/100

The Mercedes-Benz GL was one of the biggest SUVs ever built by the automaker, and the fanciest at the time. A range of powerful V6 or V8 engine options make it a top choice for towing, and a plush interior treats occupants to S-Class luxury. City driving can be challenging due to the size of the GL, but it’s an excellent cruiser. Just take note that while it still looks relatively modern on the outside, this over decade-old Benz could leave you wanting in the cabin tech department.

GL450 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros

• Powerful engine options
• Great for towing
• Lots of space inside

Cons

• Expensive repairs when required
• Handling could be better
• Confusing infotainment system

4

2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS

Reliability Score: 81/100

We touched on the Mercedes-Benz GLS earlier, but now is its time to shine. It’s another full-size SUV with up to seven seats and a plethora of premium features, following on from the GL-class before it. This name change was simply to align with the rest of the range, but 2017 saw an automatic start/stop system, new ambient lighting colors, and a touchpad be added to the GLS. The cabin tech situation in the GLS will feel much more modern than the older GL.

GLS450 Performance Specifications

Pros

• Comfortable on- and off-road
• Roomy interior
• SUV equivalent of the S-Class

Cons

• Infotainment system could be modernized
• Complex technology is expensive to repair
• Interior slightly old-fashioned

3

2014 Mercedes-Benz ML

Reliability Score: 81/100

Debuting in 1997, the M-Class was Mercedes’ first SUV, a full-fat one at that. Its body-on-frame construction with all-wheel drive made it an exceptional off-road vehicle that paved the way for future SUVs, including the GLE that the ML transformed into. Until the name change in 2015, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz ML was the most reliable model year. Scoring 81/100, the ML remains one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz SUVs to date. Like the GL on this list, just be aware that the tech in a 2014 model isn’t up to speed with what you’d get from something in the last few years.

ML 550 Performance Specifications

Pros

• Capable off-road
• Multiple engine choices
• Quiet and smooth ride

Cons

• Clunky infotainment
• Terrible MPG
• Lacks feeling

2

2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Reliability Score: 84/100

Interestingly, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE is more reliable than newer models. The 2018 GLE is rated 84/100, whereas the 2020 model falls short at 69/100. That seems like a small difference, but it could prove a costly one. While the 2016-2019 range is the first of the GLE line, it’s technically a third-generation ML with a new name and sexier styling. The GLE has a big road presence, but inside is filled with cheap plastic trims.

350 Performance Specifications

Pros

• Quiet and comfortable on highways
• Spacious
• Smartphone integration as standard

Cons

• Lots of cheap plastic inside
• Button-overload
• Noticeable body roll

1

2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK

Reliability Score: 85/100

We’ve seen two variants of the GLC on this list, but the GLK laid the foundations for it. First released in 2010, the GLK was basically a C-class on stilts with a high roof. New styling and an interior revamp in 2013 kept it relevant and changed it from a utilitarian SUV to a luxury vehicle. And the boxy styling still looks surprisingly modern. The 2013 model has an impressive score of 85/100 thanks to a well-engineered 3.5-liter V6 engine, earning the top spot on our list.

GLK350 4MATIC Performance Specifications

Pros

• 2013 model received an updated interior
• Smooth and powerful V6
• Reasonable MPG

Cons

• Big, but not spacious
• Dated infotainment
• Doesn’t handle well at low speeds

German cars are known for their durability, and Mercedes-Benz is no exception. Having just 11 SUVs throughout history, all scoring 70 and above on J.D. Power, is a testament to this. Any of these models will see high mileage before any major issues strike. However, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK is the least likely to go wrong, and is a bargain under $10,000.