The automotive industry has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the popularity of SUVs in recent years. As brands globally embrace electrification, the 2024 model year sees combustion-engined SUVs reaching new heights of competitiveness. For those considering a new SUV, German manufacturers, particularly Mercedes-Benz, remain a top choice due to their legacy of luxury and performance.
Mercedes-Benz stands out with its comprehensive 2024 SUV lineup, offering a spectrum of models from compact to full-size luxury SUVs. Each of the six gasoline-powered models boasts advanced technology and premium materials. While the integration of cutting-edge technology can sometimes influence overall reliability, Mercedes-Benz SUVs remain compelling options.
Every 2024 Mercedes-Benz SUV is backed by the brand’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty, covering material or workmanship defects for 48 months or 50,000 miles. This warranty provides peace of mind, but understanding the potential long-term ownership costs and reliability of each model is crucial. This article ranks the 2024 combustion-engined Mercedes-Benz SUVs by reliability, from least to most reliable.
Related: Every Mercedes Coupe And Sedan Ranked By Reliability
To provide you with the most accurate and current reliability information, this ranking is compiled using data from reputable sources including J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports. The following Mercedes-Benz SUV models are ranked from the least reliable to the most reliable for the 2024 model year.
6. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Reliability Score: 17/100
The Mercedes-Benz GLC, a premium mid-size SUV, occupies the middle ground in Mercedes-Benz’s SUV pricing structure. Available in both standard SUV and Coupe body styles, the GLC Coupe offers a sportier aesthetic. The base GLC SUV starts at $47,450, while the Coupe version begins at $57,000. AMG performance variants are also available, with the GLC AMG SUV starting at $64,950 and the Coupe at $68,200.
Reliability
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC unfortunately receives the lowest reliability score among Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Consumer Reports predicts a reliability score of only 17 out of 100 for the 2024 GLC, indicating it is expected to be less reliable than the average new car. The increasing technological complexity in Mercedes-Benz models contributes to potential reliability concerns.
The 2024 GLC has already faced two recalls. The first recall addressed potentially detaching front, rear, and fixed side windows. The second recall was due to an electrical system issue that could lead to sudden power loss or failure of critical safety features. The average annual maintenance cost for the GLC is estimated at $1,039.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,039 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,421 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Mercedes-Benz GLC Year To Buy Used: 2019
5. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Reliability Score: 23/100
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is the most compact and most affordable SUV in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz lineup. The 2024 GLA received a refresh, incorporating updated technology and enhanced materials. The base model GLA starts at $41,850. For all-wheel-drive capability, the GLA 250 4MATIC SUV starts at $43,850. The AMG GLA 35, offering a more powerful AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, starts at $56,540.
Reliability
While the Mercedes-Benz GLA shows a slight improvement in reliability compared to the GLC, it still lags behind competitors with a predicted reliability score of 23/100. Software issues with the MBUX infotainment system are a contributing factor to the lower reliability score, highlighting the challenges associated with advanced in-car technology.
RepairPal estimates the average annual maintenance cost for the Mercedes-Benz GLA to be $987. Over a ten-year period, CarEdge projects maintenance costs to average $13,781, placing the GLA on the higher end of SUV ownership expenses. Common potential issues over ten years include AC condenser replacement, trans mount replacement, and air conditioning refrigerant line replacement.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $987 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $13,781 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst ES Year To Buy Used: 2015
4. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Reliability Score: 23/100
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB is positioned above the GLA as another compact SUV offering from the German brand. The GLB is a relatively recent addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup, debuting in 2019 and receiving a facelift in 2023. Available only in the standard SUV form, the 2024 GLB starts at $44,450, with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive version starting at $46,450.
Reliability
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB shares the same reliability score as the GLA, at 23/100. While infotainment system problems can also occur in the GLB, the common mechanical issues may differ from the smaller GLA. Potential problems include active suspension system diagnosis, fuel level-sending unit replacement, and seat heater replacement.
Currently, there is limited data available for the Mercedes-Benz GLB, and RepairPal does not provide an average yearly maintenance cost. Similarly, CarEdge does not offer a ten-year maintenance cost estimate due to the model’s recent introduction. However, the GLB is expected to have similar reliability performance to other Mercedes-Benz models, which average around $15,986 in maintenance over ten years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst ES Year To Buy Used: N/A
Related: Best Large Luxury SUVs Of 2024 Ranked By Reliability
3. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Reliability Score: 36/100
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE, like the GLC, is offered in both standard SUV and Coupe configurations. The GLE is another relatively recent addition to the Mercedes-Benz luxury SUV lineup, launched in 2015. For 2024, the GLE SUV has a starting price of $62,650, while the GLE Coupe starts significantly higher at $89,900, primarily due to the inclusion of a 4.0-liter V-8 engine option in the Coupe.
Reliability
The 2024 GLE demonstrates a notable improvement in reliability compared to the GLC, GLA, and GLB, earning a score of 36/100 from Consumer Reports. Despite this improvement, the GLE still trails behind competitors like the BMW X5, which achieved a score of 83/100. However, it is comparable to the 2024 Volvo XC90, which scored 39/100.
RepairPal estimates the average yearly maintenance cost for the Mercedes-Benz GLE to be $1,194. Over a ten-year period, maintenance costs are estimated to average $14,738, placing the GLE in the higher range for long-term ownership expenses. Common potential issues for the GLE include AC condenser replacement, sunroof motor replacement, and door lock actuator replacement.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,194 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,738 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst ES Year To Buy Used: 2020
2. 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS
Reliability Score: 36/100
Positioned at the top end of the Mercedes-Benz SUV range, the 2024 GLS is the largest luxury SUV offered by the brand. As a seven-seater, the 2024 GLS provides ample space for up to six adult passengers. All GLS trims come standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, starting at $87,000 for the 3.0-liter V-6 engine option. The higher-spec 4.0-liter V-8 variant increases the starting price to $112,000.
Reliability
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS shares the joint-highest reliability score among Mercedes-Benz SUVs, with a score of 36/100 from Consumer Reports. Despite this being the best score within the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, it still falls short of some competitors due to the complexity of its advanced technology and potential mechanical issues.
Data for average annual maintenance costs for the GLS is currently unavailable. However, CarEdge estimates that maintenance and repairs for the GLS will cost around $15,726 over the first ten years of ownership. Potential problems that GLS owners may encounter include ABS control module replacement, heater core replacement, and fuel tank replacement.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: N/A
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $xxx (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: x
- Worst ES Year To Buy Used: N/A
Related: Best Midsize Luxury SUVs Ranked By Reliability
1. 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Reliability Score: Not Yet Rated
While the GLS is the largest SUV in the 2024 Mercedes-Benz lineup, the G-Class, often referred to as the G-Wagon, holds the title of the most expensive. The 2024 G-Class starts at $143,000 and comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The AMG version features a more powerful 4.0-liter V-8, with a starting price of $183,000.
Reliability
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz G-Class does not yet have a predicted reliability score from Consumer Reports. However, RepairPal estimates the average annual maintenance cost for the G-Class to be $1,461. Common potential issues include failing door lock actuators, brake light switch failures, and crankshaft position sensor failure. Despite its higher upfront cost and ongoing maintenance needs, the G-Class is celebrated for its exceptional durability and off-road capability, prioritizing ruggedness and practicality.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,461 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $16,561 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst ES Year To Buy Used: 2010-2012
