The 5 Best Mercedes-Benz SUVs for a Weekend Escape to Gatineau Park
July 18 2025,
Planning your next outdoor adventure to Gatineau Park? This sprawling natural playground just across the river from Ottawa offers hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and scenic lookouts. Whether you're heading to Mackenzie King Estate for a leisurely walk or tackling the challenging trails at Champlain Lookout, choosing the right vehicle can make all the difference.
Mercedes-Benz SUVs stand out as the ideal companions for these weekend escapes. With their 4MATIC all-wheel drive systems designed to handle everything from paved parking areas to gravel access roads, plus cargo capacity for all your outdoor gear, these vehicles deliver the confidence and convenience you need. Here's our ranking of the five best Mercedes-Benz SUVs for your Gatineau Park adventures.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC SUV
The GLE 350 takes the top spot for Gatineau Park adventures thanks to its impressive cargo capacity and robust towing capability. With 943 to 2,055 litres of storage space, this SUV easily accommodates camping gear, mountain bikes, hiking equipment, and everything else your weekend demands.
The 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine with mild hybrid technology delivers 255 hp while maintaining fuel efficiency for those longer drives to remote trailheads. Most importantly, the GLE's 3,500 kg towing capacity means you can bring along a boat trailer for Pink Lake or camping trailer for extended stays.
Key Features for Outdoor Adventures:
- 943-2,055 litres cargo capacity (seats up/down)
- 3,500 kg towing capacity with Trailer Stability Assist
- 4MATIC all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution
- Aluminum roof rails for additional gear mounting
- OFFROAD mode in DYNAMIC SELECT system
- Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV
The GLC strikes an excellent balance between capability and efficiency for weekend warriors. Its 620 to 1,680 litres of cargo space provides ample room for hiking gear, while the higher ground clearance compared to sedan alternatives helps navigate Gatineau's gravel access roads with confidence.
The turbocharged 2.0L engine with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance produces 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, offering plenty of power for highway cruising and hill climbing. The 4MATIC system continuously adapts to road conditions, ensuring optimal traction whether you're navigating wet autumn leaves or loose gravel.
Key Features for Outdoor Adventures:
- 620-1,680 litres cargo capacity with flexible rear seating
- 6.2-second acceleration for confident highway merging
- OFFROAD mode for enhanced traction on unpaved surfaces
- Multilink suspension for comfort on rough park roads
- 1,588 kg towing capacity for smaller trailers
- Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4MATIC SUV
For environmentally conscious adventurers, the all-electric EQE 350 offers a compelling blend of sustainability and capability. With 520 to 1,675 litres of cargo space and 1,600 kg towing capacity, it handles most Gatineau Park activities while producing zero emissions.
The dual electric motors generate 288 hp combined and provide instant torque delivery that's particularly helpful when climbing steep park access roads. The 407 km electric range easily covers round trips to most Gatineau destinations, and the quiet operation enhances your connection with nature.
Key Features for Outdoor Adventures:
- Zero emissions for environmentally responsible recreation
- 520-1,675 litres cargo capacity
- Instant torque from dual electric motors
- Advanced 90.6-kWh battery for extended range
- OFFROAD mode with "Transparent Hood" display
- Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 4MATIC SUV
The GLB's standout feature is its available third-row seating, making it perfect for larger groups or families heading to Gatineau Park. With 570 litres of cargo space behind the second row (or 179 litres with all seven seats in use), it balances passenger capacity with gear storage.
The compact dimensions make it easier to navigate tight parking areas at popular trailheads, while the 1,765 kg curb weight keeps fuel consumption reasonable. The 2.0L turbo engine with mild hybrid assistance provides adequate power for most park driving situations. Note that this vehicle is not recommended for towing.
Key Features for Outdoor Adventures:
- Optional 7-passenger seating for larger groups
- 570-1,805 litres cargo capacity (5-7 seat configurations)
- Compact size for easier parking at trailheads
- 100% LED lighting for better visibility on park roads
- 18-inch wheels with all-season tires
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC SUV
While the GLA offers the smallest cargo capacity at 435 to 1,430 litres, it remains a capable choice for day trips and light adventure gear. Its compact footprint and excellent fuel economy (7.1 L/100 km highway) make it ideal for frequent park visits.
The dual-clutch 8-speed transmission provides quick, smooth shifts that enhance the driving experience on winding park roads. Despite its smaller size, the GLA maintains the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and OFFROAD driving mode found in larger Mercedes SUVs. This model is not recommended for towing.
Key Features for Outdoor Adventures:
- Best fuel economy for frequent park visits
- 435-1,430 litres cargo capacity for day trip gear
- Agile handling on winding park roads
- 11.4 m turning circle for tight parking situations
- Panoramic sunroof for enhanced connection with nature
Comparing Cargo and Capability
|
Model |
Cargo Space (Seats Up/Down) |
Towing Capacity |
Fuel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GLE 350 |
943-2,055 L |
3,500 kg |
Gasoline |
|
GLC 300 |
620-1,680 L |
1,588 kg |
Gasoline |
|
EQE 350 |
520-1,675 L |
1,600 kg |
Electric |
|
GLB 250 |
570-1,805 L |
Not recommended |
Gasoline |
|
GLA 250 |
435-1,430 L |
Not recommended |
Gasoline |
4MATIC: Your Confidence on Any Surface
All five Mercedes-Benz SUVs feature the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which continuously monitors road conditions and adjusts power distribution between front and rear wheels. On Gatineau Park's gravel access roads, this technology provides the traction and stability you need to reach your destination safely.
The system works seamlessly with each vehicle's DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes. When you engage OFFROAD mode, the transmission, throttle response, and traction control systems optimize for loose surfaces and steep grades. This makes navigating challenging parking areas or accessing remote trailheads significantly easier.
Your weekend adventures to Gatineau Park deserve a vehicle that matches your enthusiasm for the outdoors. Each of these Mercedes-Benz SUVs brings its own strengths to the equation, from the GLE's maximum cargo capacity to the EQE's environmental responsibility. Stop by Mercedes-Benz Ottawa Downtown to explore these capable SUVs and plan your next Gatineau Park escape.
