2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted design compared to its predecessors, with softened lines and removed edges, contributing to a reduced drag coefficient from .32 to .29. The front end showcased the most significant visual transformation, making the vehicle appear handsome yet unoffensive. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch extended wheelbase, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model revealed an unexpected orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium paint option.

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, a cabin air purifier, multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, and a Burmester stereo, bringing the total price to $78,370. Despite the extensive list of features, some options like heated and cooled cupholders and soft-close doors seemed excessive. The Acoustic Comfort Package, however, was well worth the $1,100, providing a quieter cabin experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX retained its sharp design lines, making it visually similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models featured power-folding outside mirrors and standard 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels. Inside, the F Sport models offered exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color schemes.

The NX's interior boasted excellent material fit and finish, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack's design appeared outdated, with an elevated climate-control button surface and a rare CD player. The F Sport variant included a G-Force meter, though it seemed more gimmicky than functional. The NX's steering was numb, but the car remained easy to maneuver, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and an electronically limited top speed of 124 mph.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 was powered by 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's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, which was average for the segment. The F Sport variant included Active Sound Control, enhancing the engine note electronically through the car's speakers. The NX's fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 combined, while the AWD model had a combined rating of 24 mpg.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. The GLE 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, though the lumbar support was challenging to adjust. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, but the bass caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Lexus NX's interior was stylish and comfortable, with ample room for adults in both the front and second-row seats. The NX offered a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and available heated and ventilated seats. However, the cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX's cabin was quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

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 head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system was less effective in the GLE compared to the A-Class, but the steering-wheel controls were intuitive once mastered. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's but still had issues at high speeds.

The 2021 Lexus NX's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system added HomeLink and Lexus Enform Destination Assist for 2021. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hot spot. The NX was compatible with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app, offering various remote functions and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect.

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 positions to prevent cramping. However, the safety systems struggled at high speeds, causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including 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. The NX received top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect was standard, offering emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification.