2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB had a boxy and tall design compared to other small Mercedes SUVs. It sat on a front-wheel-drive platform with an optional 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood, an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, emphasizing its functional design over aesthetics. The GLB prioritized interior volume, highlighted by robust standard roof rails.

The test vehicle, painted in Mountain Gray metallic and equipped with the AMG Line design package and 20-inch AMG wheels, offered a stylish and aggressive look. Prices started at $36,600, but the tested GLB 250 4Matic, loaded with options, had a sticker price of $55,890. The interior featured dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, though some metallic trim pieces revealed its more affordable status. The GLB’s interior was a blend of high style and simplicity, with a unique transmission shifter mounted on the steering column.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. The interior of the F Sport featured exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and optional Circuit Red color schemes.

Material fit and finish in the NX were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. The F Sport also included a G-Force meter, though it was more of a gimmick. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, showed its age but remained functional. However, the design limited open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came in GLB 250 and GLB 250 4Matic specifications, both powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine’s wide torque band and snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless equipped with the optional 4Matic AWD, which optimized grip and performance. An Off-Road driving mode locked the drivetrain in a 50:50 power split for maximum traction.

The GLB test vehicle, with its adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, delivered a soft, comfortable ride in Comfort mode and a more engaging experience in Sport mode. Despite its modest engine specifications, the GLB offered a fun driving experience, though the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving. The fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA’s 26-mpg estimate.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but less smooth than newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0-60 mph in around seven seconds, with some engine noise under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, enhancing the engine note electronically through the speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX F Sport AWD also achieved 24 mpg combined. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering was numb. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offered generous interior dimensions, often exceeding those of the larger GLC. It could be equipped with an optional third row, a feature not available in other Mercedes SUVs except the GLS. The GLB comfortably accommodated four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat slid forward and back, allowing for extra space for third-row passengers or cargo. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation in the test vehicle. Cargo space was 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The Lexus NX had a stylish and comfortable interior, with front seats providing ample room for adults and the second-row seats offering good legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seat had a 60/40 split-folding design. The NX’s cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX offered a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB’s Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, upgraded the standard 7-inch screens to twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, using the forward-facing camera for turn-by-turn directions. The Parking Assistance Package included a high-definition surround-view camera system and a semi-autonomous active parking assistance system. The 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system was a highlight.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the Lexus system was less user-friendly. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The Navigation package added two speakers to the standard eight-speaker system, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various functions, and Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with several standard safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and Pre-Safe front collision preparation. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and automatic emergency stop assistance. Enhancements to Pre-Safe technology included rear-impact preparation and ear damage protection.

The 2021 Lexus NX included Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard, featuring a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.