2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and removal of most edges and scalloping contributed to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29, making it a class leader according to Mercedes. The most noticeable change was the front end, which offered a handsome, if unoffensive, appearance. Inside, the GLE provided extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, allowing for an optional third row. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test model included numerous options, such as black leather upholstery for $1,620, a cabin air purifier and fragrance system for $350, and multi-contour front seats with a massage feature for $1,100. Despite the luxurious additions, some features like heated and ventilated seats required extra costs. The total price of the test model reached $78,370, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee.

The 2020 Lexus GX, introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, continued to show its age despite some new design tweaks. The updated GX adopted the hourglass grille design seen across the Lexus lineup, which suited the GX better than the larger LX. Despite the new front end and headlights, the GX remained a decade-old vehicle, sharing a platform with the Toyota 4Runner. This rugged capability allowed the GX to maintain its relevance despite its age.

Inside, the GX's cabin looked unchanged from a decade ago, featuring a large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen. Lexus offered the GX in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim included 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof. The Premium trim added features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, 3-zone automatic climate control, and navigation. The Luxury trim included premium leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, self-leveling air suspension, and power-folding/reclining third-row seats. The test model also had an optional rear-seat entertainment system, which felt outdated in the era of smartphones and tablets.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided sufficient power at speed, but felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The start-stop system was notably inelegant, causing frustration during testing. Despite these issues, the engine was smooth and powerful, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission that, while not as refined as the BMW X5's 8-speed, was still competent. The GLE 350 4Matic's starting price of $56,200 made it competitive, though the BMW X5's standard turbocharged inline-6 offered more power. The GLE 350's fuel economy was impressive, achieving 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to standard 4-wheel drive. While modern V6 and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines could exceed these figures, the V8 provided an unmistakable swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering, initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps with ease. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with various 4WD modes and Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, achieving 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the options, it offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 79.4 cubic feet with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, though the lumbar support was difficult to adjust. The steering wheel, while chunky and comfortable, often blocked parts of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, though it caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. 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 competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover Discovery. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was deep and daunting at first but became second nature with use. The system included two giant 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The new voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, did not work as well in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows and unexpected lines.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. However, it was a true touchscreen, flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, making it simpler to use than modern Lexus systems. The downside was the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a tough tradeoff for some drivers.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate driver fatigue, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating position to prevent cramping. However, the full suite of safety features had issues at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows and unexpected lines.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with massive windows and mirrors, added to its safety.