2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2020 Lexus GX

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 (AWD) system. The vehicle featured a long, flat hood leading to an upright windshield, large side windows, and a nearly vertical rear liftgate. The front and rear overhangs were symmetrical, ensuring visual balance. The GLB prioritized function over form, maximizing interior volume within its narrow and short frame, 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 nearly every option, had a window sticker of $55,890. The interior featured high-quality materials, dual 10.25-inch screens, ambient lighting, and MB-Tex leatherette and Dinamica suede seats. The design blended high style with simplicity, though some metallic trim pieces revealed the vehicle's more affordable status within the Mercedes lineup.

The 2020 Lexus GX, introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, continued into 2020 with some design tweaks. It adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which suited the GX better than some other models. Despite the updated front end and headlights, the GX's decade-old design was evident. However, its rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, outweighed the need for innovation.

Inside, the GX's age was apparent with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s Lexus styling. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim included features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added amenities like rain-sensing wipers, heated and ventilated seats, and navigation. The Luxury trim, tested here, included premium leather, a heated steering wheel, and a rear-seat entertainment system. CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for its well-rounded features and value.

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 at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm. Mercedes claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, though it felt faster due to the engine's wide torque band and the snappy eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The DCT powered the front wheels unless the 4Matic AWD was optioned, which optimized grip and performance.

The test vehicle, equipped with an adaptive damping suspension and 20-inch AMG wheels, delivered a soft, comfortable ride in Comfort mode, ideal for city and highway driving. Switching to Sport mode tightened the suspension and made the turbo powertrain more responsive. The GLB's unusual driving position and large windows made it fun to drive on mountain roads, despite its modest engine specifications. However, the brakes faded prematurely during enthusiastic driving, cutting short an otherwise enjoyable experience. The fuel economy was 21.4 mpg, below the EPA's 26-mpg estimate.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive (4WD). While modern V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines could exceed these figures, the V8 offered a unique swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering felt over-boosted initially but proved direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth, composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps while maintaining control in corners.

The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes, adjustable suspension height, and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it a practical choice for urban environments. However, its fuel economy was unimpressive, with estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. During a week of mixed driving, the observed average was 16.3 mpg.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB offered more interior space than the larger and more expensive GLC, with an optional third row of seats. The generous dimensions allowed for comfortable seating for four adults, with ample headroom, tall seating positions, and large windows. The second-row seat could slide forward and back, providing flexibility for third-row passengers or cargo. The front seats offered power adjustment but lacked heating and ventilation, which would have added over $1,000 to the price. The second-row seat could accommodate three people, but two was more comfortable due to the vehicle's narrow width. Cargo space was 22 cubic feet behind the second row and 62 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The Lexus GX's Premium and Luxury trims offered second-row captain's chairs, with the Luxury trim including power-folding third-row seats. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between children. However, getting into the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB's Premium Package, costing an extra $2,200, was highly recommended. It included a blind-spot warning system, keyless entry, and twin 10.25-inch displays with lush graphics and fast response. The MBUX infotainment system, standard on all GLB models, featured Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and natural voice recognition technology. The Multimedia Package added a navigation system with augmented video, using a forward-facing camera to provide a live video feed with 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 also available and highly praised.

The Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its simplicity and true touchscreen interface, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, were appreciated. The older Lexus Enform system was easier to use than the modern Lexus Remote Touch cursor system.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB came standard with several safety features, including a driver monitoring system, backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and a Pre-Safe front collision preparation system. Optional features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot monitoring with Exit Warning Assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and an automatic emergency stop assistance system. However, neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had crash-tested the GLB at the time of publication.

The Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera were also standard. The GX's great visibility, with large windows and mirrors, added to its safety.