Specialized Turbo Levo 4 vs Trek Fuel EXe 5 — 2025's E-MTB Fight!

Need more power or prefer something subtle? Want full day battery life or a lighter ride feel? The Turbo Levo 4 from Specialized and The Fuel XE5 from Trek answer these questions in totally different ways. In the battle of premium trail ebikes, Specialized Turbo Levo 4 and Trek Fuel XE5 are taking very different routes to domination. 

One leans on sheer torque and high tech integration. The other keeps it quiet, clean, and efficient. But which one delivers more on the trail? Let's find out.

Motor and Drive System

The Specialized Turbo Levo 4 enters the 2025 season with an all-new 3.1 motor that delivers a class leading 101 Newton meter of torque and 666W peak power. Paired with the customizable Mastermind T3 display and the specialized app, riders gain unmatched control over assist levels and system behavior in real time.

In contrast, Trex Fuel X5 is powered by the TQ HPR50 motor, a more compact and natural feeling system tuned for silent operation and subtle support. With 50 Newton meter of torque and a max power of 300 watts, it's nearly half the output of the Turbo Levo 4.

For power and torque to conquer demanding terrain, the Levo 4's motor system is the clear winner here.

Battery and Range

Specialized again flexes its engineering muscle with an 840Wh battery integrated into the down tube with side access. The design also incorporates SWAT internal storage for tools or snacks, a feature that trail riders appreciate. Charging is quick with a 4 amp charger, and range anxiety is practically non-existent with the sheer capacity provided.

The Fuel XE5, while admirably efficient, comes with a significantly smaller TQ 360Wh battery. Though lightweight and seamlessly integrated, it simply cannot match the Levo 4 for long ride endurance.

Levo 4's larger battery ensures longer ride time and greater flexibility on long mountain days and takes the lead again.

Frame and Build

• Specialized Levo 4: Sports Act 11M full carbon frame with 150 mm of rear travel and modular geometry allowing riders to tweak BB height and head angle to suit different terrains. It includes a side entry battery mount and UDH compatibility and its rear end is paired with sealed cartridge bearing pivots.
• Trek Fuel XC5: Uses a robust alpha platinum aluminum frame with 140 mm of rear travel, internal cable routing and TX monolink geometry adjustment. It's impressively built for an entry-level carbon alternative EMTB.

However, the difference in material does impact weight and vibration dampening, especially on long rough descents. The carbon chassis, advanced geometry adjustability, and premium finishing touches places Levo 4 ahead of the EXE5's durable but heavier aluminum structure.

Suspension

Specialized equips the Levo 4 with 160 mm of front travel via a Foxflat 36 rhythm fork with a grip damper and a 150 mm rear Fox Xperformance shock featuring their exclusive Genie shock tech and ride dynamics trail tune. The system is deeply tuned for aggressive trail riding with excellent small bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support.

Trex Fuel XC 5 opts for 150 mm front travel from a Rock Shocks Recon Silver Solo air fork with lockout and motion control damping. In the rear, it uses an X-Fusion Pro 2 shock with a two-position damper with higher quality suspension components and better trail tuned damping.

Specialized wins here offering more composure and control.

Drivetrain

Specialized once again pushes boundaries by including a full Stram transmission setup. The S1000 Eagle transmission derailer 1270T type cassette and GX flattop chain combined to offer precise electronic shifting underload. It's paired with the futuristic AXS pod controller for effortless programmable input.

Trex Fuel XE5 uses the Shimano Dior M6100 12-speed system. Reliable and cost-effective, but clearly entry level compared to Stram's wireless transmission.

The wireless shift underload capability of the Stram transmission system gives Levo 4's a high performance edge.

Brakes

• Specialized Levo 4: Stram Maven Bronze 4 piston calipers and massive 220 mm front and 200 mm rear rotors. This setup is built to stop with authority even on long alpine descents or under heavier loads.
• Trek Fuel XE5: Tekkro HDM7454 piston brakes and 203 mm rotors which are fine for most trail applications but don't quite match the power or heat tolerance of the Mavens.

With more stopping power in premium calipers, Levo 4 makes a noticeable difference on technical trails.

Wheels and Tires

Specialized delivers a mixed wheel setup 29in front, 27.5 in rear on tubeless ready hookless alloy rims with 30 mm inner width. Tires are Butcher Grid Gravity 2.3 in with Gripton T9 compound. A proven trail performer with great grip and sidewall support.

The Trek Fuel XE5 sticks to 29in wheels front and rear mounted with Bontrager XT3 Elite 2.4 4-in tires. These offer decent trail grip and damping, but aren't as aggressive in casing or compound. Trex hubs and rims are serviceable, but less trail-proven than Specialized DT Swiss Industry spokes and alloy hubs.

The mullet setup, tire compound, and aggressive casing give Specialized the upper hand on rugged trails.

Weight

• Trek Fuel EXE5: At just 20.80 kg for medium size, it's a nimble, responsive EMTB that rides much like an analog bike. This is in part thanks to the lighter motor and battery, as well as the aluminum frame's optimization.
• Specialized Turbo Levo 4: While incredibly well equipped, tips the scale at 24.41 kg for S4 size. The weight is distributed well and offset by its power, but it's notably heavier.

Something to consider for tighter, more technical trails or riders who lift and transport their bikes often.

Summary Table: Specialized Turbo Levo 4 vs Trek Fuel EXe 5

Feature	Specialized Turbo Levo 4	Trek Fuel EXe 5
Motor Torque	101 Nm	50 Nm
Peak Power	666 W	300 W
Battery Capacity	840 Wh	360 Wh
Frame Material	Full Carbon (Act 11M)	Alpha Platinum Aluminum
Rear Travel	150 mm	140 mm
Front Suspension Travel	160 mm (Foxflat 36 rhythm)	150 mm (Rock Shocks Recon Silver Solo)
Drivetrain	Stram S1000 Eagle electronic shifting	Shimano Dior M6100 12-speed
Brakes	Stram Maven Bronze 4 piston, 220/200 mm rotors	Tekkro HDM7454, 203 mm rotors
Wheel Size	29" front, 27.5" rear	29" front and rear
Tire	Butcher Grid Gravity 2.3 in, Gripton T9 compound	Bontrager XT3 Elite 2.4 in
Weight	24.41 kg (S4 size)	20.80 kg (Medium size)

Ride Revolt’s Verdict

For a more advanced, more capable machine that delivers top tier trail performance and long-distance capability, Specialized Turbo Levo 4 is the ultimate winner in this fight.

Which one are you choosing? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Also Read: This Rear Light is Smarter Than You Think – Ravemen NT101 Rear Light

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which eMTB has more power and torque?

   The Specialized Turbo Levo 4 has significantly more power and torque with 101 Nm and 666 W peak power compared to the Trek Fuel EXe 5’s 50 Nm and 300 W.

2. How does battery life compare between the two bikes?

   The Levo 4 features an 840Wh battery offering longer ride endurance, while the Fuel EXe 5 has a smaller 360Wh battery, suited for lighter, shorter rides.

3. What is the difference in frame materials?

   The Turbo Levo 4 uses a full carbon frame for lighter weight and better vibration dampening, whereas the Fuel EXe 5 uses a durable aluminum frame which is heavier.

4. Which bike has better suspension for aggressive trail riding?

   Specialized’s Fox suspension system on the Levo 4 provides better small bump sensitivity and mid-stroke support, making it more suited for aggressive trail riding.

5. Are the drivetrains comparable?

   The Levo 4’s Stram electronic shifting system offers wireless, precise shifting under load, superior to the Fuel EXe 5’s Shimano Dior M6100 12-speed mechanical system.

6. Which bike is lighter?

   The Trek Fuel EXe 5 is lighter at 20.80 kg (medium size) compared to the Turbo Levo 4 at 24.41 kg (S4 size), making it more nimble for technical trails.

7. Which bike has better braking power?

   Specialized’s Stram Maven Bronze brakes with larger rotors provide more stopping power and heat tolerance than Trek’s Tekkro HDM7454 brakes.