2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a well-designed crossover SUV, though its styling was not particularly groundbreaking or breathtaking. It blended in seamlessly without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a respectable appearance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The sleek, low-slung design with chiseled details and a fast roofline gave it a modern look. Inside, the MDX had a simple, modern interior with high-quality materials and a well-organized center stack featuring twin infotainment screens.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, introduced in its third generation, carried over from the 2020 model year. It had a more refined and svelte appearance compared to its predecessors, with softened angles and lines. The interior was futuristic, dominated by a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash. The GLS was available in three levels: GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63. Standard features included remote keyless entry, nine USB ports, dual-zone climate control, and a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. The AMG GLS 63 stood out with aggressive bodywork, a chrome slotted grille, and a performance-inspired interior.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options. The base model featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It was available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The MDX Sport Hybrid combined a 3.0-liter V6 engine with three electric motors, delivering a total of 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The MDX displayed good straight-line performance and nimble handling, especially with the SH-AWD system, which used torque vectoring to enhance cornering. The four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63 had a hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, generating 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed AMG twin-clutch automatic transmission. The AMG GLS 63 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The GLS featured an adaptive air suspension system, multiple drive modes, and E-Active Body Control for a smooth and composed ride.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating with good headroom in all rows. The second-row seats could slide and recline, making it easier to access the third row and share legroom. The MDX provided 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior featured ample storage options, including a large glove box, a flexible center console, and door pockets. The MDX also had tri-zone climate control for added comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS had three rows of spacious seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. Seven-passenger seating was standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing capacity to six. The third row was suitable for full-size adults, a rarity among three-row SUVs. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded and 87.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including spacious in-door bins, a combination cup-holder/wireless-charging pad, and a center console with butterfly doors.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added rain-sensing wipers, LED puddle lights, parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote start, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features like the Active Damper System, LED fog lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a surround-view camera, and Head-Up Warning. The Entertainment Package added a rear entertainment system with a 110-volt power outlet and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a large touch screen and a trackpad controller. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a USB-C cable was required for connection. The MBUX system had a voice-control feature activated by saying "Hey Mercedes," allowing for complex commands. The digital dash extended to the fully-digital instrument panel, both controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. The right pad controlled the infotainment screen, while the left pad controlled the instrument panel. The system had a learning curve but made the extensive technology more manageable.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. Additional safety features included a rearview camera, front and side airbags, stability control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Other standard features included automatic parking assist, a surround-view camera, a driver-drowsiness monitor, and crosswind assist. Available safety tech included lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and stop-and-go cruise control. The GLS also had a full array of airbags, traction control, self-tensioning seatbelts, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.