2021 Lexus GX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted appearance 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 front end saw the most significant transformation, resulting in a handsome, albeit unoffensive, vehicle. Inside, the GLE offered 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 paint option.

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights introduced in 2020. The 2021 model added standard silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, but the overall interior felt dated.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350 4Matic's fuel economy was impressive at 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 came with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 provided strong acceleration from a stop, but the GX's 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability with its Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various off-road driver aids. The GX also had a respectable towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the configuration, it offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 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 on long drives. However, the steering wheel often blocked parts of the screen, and the upgraded Burmester stereo caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics felt outdated, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting but ultimately rewarding. The system included two 12.3-inch screens and a comprehensive HUD, offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system, while impressive in the A-Class, did not perform as well in the GLE. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds, often fighting the driver and getting confused by shadows and unexpected lines.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces. The GX also offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist and Seat Kinetics aimed to prevent driver fatigue. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems were less reliable at high speeds, often causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by road conditions.

The 2021 Lexus GX also lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX missed out on some advanced safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.