Range Rover vs GLS
The Range Rover and the GLS compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz each making its case. Each one wins something important. For the Range Rover it’s engine & performance; for the GLS it’s space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Range Rover wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality GLS wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing7.2
- Engine & Performance1.3
- Fuel Economy & Range8.7
- Off-road & Towing4.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The GLS has room for 7 seats
Few buyers will miss this one. The GLS brings 7 seats to the table; the Range Rover brings 5 seats. The GLS has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Range Rover has 20 hp more power
A narrow win for the Range Rover. With 395 hp to 375 hp, it’s the kind of difference that adds up rather than stands out. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The Range Rover has 37 lb-ft more torque
Close, but not identical: the Range Rover lists 406 lb-ft and the GLS lists 369 lb-ft. The Range Rover’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Range Rover leads
The GLS has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Range Rover pulls well ahead. The Range Rover answers with 20 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. If engine & performance is your priority, the Range Rover is the car to pick.
Total system output
Range Rover: 395 hp GLS: 375 hp The Range Rover’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Range Rover: 406 lb-ft GLS: 369 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
If fuel economy & range matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Don’t let fuel economy & range decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Space & Practicality
GLS leads
The GLS wins the space & practicality section decisively. The GLS brings room for 7 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. If this section decides it for you, choose the GLS.
Seats
Range Rover: 5 seats GLS: 7 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t off-road & towing. Net result on off-road & towing: level.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Range Rover | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 3.0L turbo I6 |
| Total system output | 395 hp (winner) | 375 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft (winner) | 369 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (4WD) | AWD (4MATIC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Range Rover | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Range Rover | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Range Rover | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 8,200 lb | 7,700 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Range Rover | GLS |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Range Rover if…
- you want more power (395 hp vs 375 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (406 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Land Rover does things
Choose the GLS if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you’re loyal to Mercedes-Benz and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Range Rover or the GLS?
There’s no single right answer. The Range Rover leads on engine & performance and the GLS on space & practicality.
Executive Summary
Land Rover or Mercedes-Benz? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Range Rover versus the GLS. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Range Rover has 20 hp more power. Don’t write off the GLS entirely: it has room for 7 seats.
A quick self-test: do you care more about engine & performance or space & practicality? The first answer means the Range Rover, the second means the GLS.
My pick: the Range Rover for anyone focused on engine & performance, the GLS for anyone focused on space & practicality.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.