5 Affordable Used Mercedes-Benz SUVs for Luxury on a Budget

The most affordable Mercedes-Benz SUV today is the GLA, which starts from $41,500. The most expensive Mercedes SUV is the $180,000 Maybach GLS. The brand value and feature list focusing on luxury, comfort, and convenience are what make the Merc SUVs expensive.

However, thanks to depreciation, there is a gold mine of used Mercedes-Benz luxury SUVs in the used-car market. We have bundled five enticing used Mercedes SUVs that are high on luxury appeal and affordable for everyday use. The most affordable luxury SUV here can be had for under $10,000 and scores exceptionally high on reliability, with 89/100 (per J.D. Power), even higher than the most reliable new luxury SUV of 2026.

This list is organized in decreasing order of average used prices, as sourced from Kelley Blue Book.

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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Average Used Price: $31,170

Base Trim Engine: 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 255 hp
Base Trim Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Fuel Economy: 19/26 MPG
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: GLE-Class SUV
Segment: Midsize Luxury SUV

This Merc SUV offers occupants a wealth of luxury features. It features heated, ventilated, massaging front seats with memory; power-adjustable, reclining, sliding second-row seats; multi-zone climate control (dual- or quad-zone); and heated/cooled cupholders. Leather upholstery and wood trim are lavishly layered throughout the cabin. Taking things up a notch are features like soft-close doors and power sunshades. In 2021, a new Mercedes-Benz GLE started at $54,750. Today, well-kept used models (including well-loaded ones) can be had for around $32,000.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV interior

Living with this luxury Mercedes SUV is not a challenge, as it scores well on J.D. Power reliability ratings at 78/100. It also scores well on iSeeCars, with a reliability rating of 7.7/10 and a solid safety score of 10/10. While this Merc is not devoid of problems, the brand has been proactive in addressing them, as evidenced by the relatively high recall count of 22 per the NHTSA. The 2021 GLE is expected to have an average annual maintenance cost of $1,194, according to RepairPal. The expected 10-year average maintenance cost is approximately $15,230, according to CarEdge.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Classy and plush interior Feature-packed MBUX infotainment with voice control A cabin that emphasizes low NVH levels extensively	A tall riding stance can translate to a floating dynamic. The optional third row is an afterthought Some unintuitive controls on the touchpad and steering wheel

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2022 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Average Used Price: $26,781

Base Trim Engine: 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 255 hp
Base Trim Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Fuel Economy: 22/27 MPG
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: GLC-Class SUV
Segment: Compact Luxury SUV

This is the newest used car on this list that can be had at a price that isn’t soaring, for a luxury car. The 2022 GLC is all about luxury appeal and is loaded with features. It features soft-touch surfaces, available Nappa leather upholstery, and a range of trim materials, including wood and woven metal accents. The front seats are standard, heated, power-adjustable, and include memory.

Optional features such as ventilation and heating are readily available on the used market, as most used luxury cars, even when loaded with options, are not far off a base model. NVH levels are prioritized, with enhanced sound insulation to deliver a serene driving experience. Technology features such as an MBUX infotainment system, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Head-Up display further enhance the versatility.

In 2022, a new Mercedes-Benz GLC started at around $43,850. Today, a used specimen can be had for nearly half that price. Its reliability quotient is also on the stronger side with a J.D. Power score of 82/100, which is considered impressive. It ranks in the top 5 on J.D. Power’s 2022 list of Best Compact Premium SUVs.

While iSeeCars has yet to rate this Merc on reliability, it does get a solid 10/10 on Safety. Furthermore, there are only two recalls and no investigations for this Merc, according to the NHTSA. The estimated average annual maintenance cost of the GLC is approximately $1,039, per RepairPal. The estimated maintenance and repair costs for the first 10 years are roughly $15,203, according to CarEdge.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Luxurious and excellent interior quality Plush ride comfort for a serene experience Loaded with cool technology features	Too intrusive driver-assist features Relatively smaller cargo space Glitchy infotainment software, at times

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2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Average Used Price: $20,145

Base Trim Engine: 3.0L Turbo V6 Diesel
Base Trim Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 255 hp
Base Trim Torque: 455 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Fuel Economy: TBC
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: GLS-Class SUV
Segment: Large Luxury SUV

Infotainment & Features

10 /10

This is a spacious, three-row luxury SUV that offers a comprehensive suite of technology, comfort, convenience, and luxury features. The Merc GLS gets power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating, ventilation, and an optional massage feature. The third row is easily accessible with an easy-entry feature. It features a multi-zone climate control system with up to 4 or 5 zones, thanks to its three-row setup.

There is no shortage of luxury materials: the spacious cabin is wrapped in standard Eucalyptus wood, optional Nappa leather, and ambient lighting. In 2017, a Mercedes-Benz GLS SUV started at around $68,700. Today, it can be had for around $21,000. That’s less than 1/3-rd of the price, which translates to insane value.

Living with this gigantic Merc is also not intimidating, as it scores impressively on reliability at 81/100 according to J.D. Power. Furthermore, NHTSA reports 10 recalls and zero investigations on the 2017 GLS as of today. The average annual maintenance cost of a 2017 GLS, according to RepairPal, is approximately $1,357. The estimated average 10-year repair and maintenance costs are roughly $17,529, according to CarEdge.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Spacious and luxurious three-row cabin Elevated comfort with Airmatic air suspension Loads of advanced ride-enhancing and comfort-elevating technology	Laggy infotainment screen Size and maneuverability Electronic issues and a lack of basic features like USB ports

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2015 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Average Used Price: $10,805

Base Trim Engine: 3.5L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 302 hp
Base Trim Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Economy: 18/24 MPG
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: M-Class
Segment: Midsize Luxury SUV

This is the predecessor to the GLE class, and a forgotten one at that. The 2010s M-Class Mercs are easily one of the brawniest-looking SUVs out there. It is also loaded with wholesome luxury features to live up to the Merc badge. It gets standard 8-way power-adjustable front seats.

Heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, and memory functions are also available. While the base trims come with MB-Tex faux-leather upholstery, the M-Class can also be equipped with available leather upholstery. Other notable luxury features include dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient LED lighting, a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, and a power rear-seat release.

The starting price of a then-new 2015 M-Class was around $48,300. Today, well-kept used specimens can be had for as low as $10,000. It scores highly on reliability, with a score of 83/100 according to J.D. Power. It also scores well on iSeeCars with a reliability rating of 7.7/10. Furthermore, running costs are impressively low for a luxury SUV, too.

The 2015 M-Class has an estimated average annual maintenance cost of around $891, according to RepairPal. The estimated 10-year maintenance and repair costs are approximately $12,942, according to CarEdge. Additionally, there have been a total of 7 recalls and zero investigations per NHTSA.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Luxurious and quiet cabin Comfortable ride and handling Well-loaded with a lot of standard technology and luxury features	Not as sporty-looking as its rivals Diesel engines are not the most reliable Complicated electronic controls

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2014 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class

Average Used Price: $8,787

Base Trim Engine: 3.5L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission: 7-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower: 302 hp
Base Trim Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Economy: 19/26 MPG
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: GLK-Class
Segment: Compact Luxury SUV

This is the most affordable and oldest Mercedes-Benz SUV on this list. But it surprises with a wholesome list of luxury features, even by today’s standards. Over 10 years ago, this Merc came with a 10-way power-adjustable seat with memory. It even packs a 4-way power lumbar and heating for the front seats (either standard or bundled with a package).

The Mercedes GLK has dual-zone automatic climate control with under-seat ducts. The interior is wrapped in wood trim, and the steering wheel is leather. The seats are wrapped in standard MB-Tex (faux leather), with genuine leather available as an optional feature. All of this for under $10,000 today on a luxury car priced at around $37,000 new is insane value.

Surprising us further is its impressive reliability rating with a solid J.D. Power score of 89/100. For reference, the most reliable new luxury SUV for 2026 is the Cadillac XT5, with a J.D. Power score of 87/100. Furthermore, it scores well on iSeeCars too, with a reliability rating of 7.7/10.

It is an entry-level luxury SUV with limited luxury appeal. Living with a used GLK is also relatively straightforward, as it has the lowest estimated annual maintenance cost of this group at $862, according to RepairPal. The estimated 10-year maintenance cost is approximately $12,942, according to CarEdge.

Strengths	Weaknesses
Impressive luxury and build quality Sophisticated and comfortable ride comfort Impressive list of safety features	Restricted second row seating Relatively less cargo space Unintuitive infotainment software and controls

Where research meets the right deal

Sources: Kelley Blue Book, J.D. Power, iSeeCars, NHTSA