2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years. The GX adopted Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014, which was further updated in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t see any major styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim level, with 19-inch wheels also available. Despite not being originally designed around the spindle grille, the GX’s styling remained coherent and distinctive, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look.

However, the interior of the GX did not meet the standards of a modern luxury SUV. The wood trim in the Premium test car felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic as well. While leather upholstery was standard, with semi-aniline leather on the Luxury trim level, the overall interior quality felt dated. The upright dashboard and high center console left little legroom, and the steering wheel’s odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made the driving experience feel bus-like.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted into Mercedes' SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The 2022 model introduced a few changes, including satellite radio as part of the Premium Package and a new AMG Night Package Plus with black grille louvers and badges. The AMG GLB35 also introduced a new Rose Gold paint color. Prices started at $38,600 for the GLB250 FWD, excluding the $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, the AMG GLB35, started at $51,000 (including destination) and included options like metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and AMG Drive Unit controls. The Premium and Multimedia Packages brought the total to $57,250. The GLB’s design was an acquired taste, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. However, the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels lent the AMG GLB35 some style and presence. The interior was beautifully rendered, with high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was reminiscent of an older generation of SUVs. The V8 engine provided ample power when moving from a stop, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, the GX’s 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. Stopping the vehicle also required advanced planning, and the ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning it wasn’t very smooth.

Despite its on-road shortcomings, the GX 460 excelled in off-road capability. It featured a Torsen center differential that could split torque 40/60 front to rear or lock for a 50/50 split. The standard 4WD system included a low range for off-road trails, and driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, multi-view camera system, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX 460 had 8.1 inches of ground clearance and respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles. It also had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in both the GLB250 and AMG GLB35 versions. The AMG GLB35’s engine was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the GLB250’s engine. The AMG GLB35 also included an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, compared to the GLB250’s 6.9 seconds. The AMG GLB35 had an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg in combined driving, while the GLB250 4Matic achieved 25 mpg.

The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance, with an AMG High-Performance Braking System, AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension, and Direct Steer variable steering system. However, the powertrain exhibited some lag in throttle response, and the DCT could feel confused in urban settings. The ride was firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels, and road noise was noticeable. Despite these drawbacks, the AMG GLB35 was a blast to drive on twisty roads, with excellent grip and responsive handling.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics reflected its age. The upright dashboard and high center console left little legroom, and the steering wheel’s odd angle, combined with the tall seating position, made the driving experience feel bus-like. 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 storage bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The second-row cupholders also took up a lot of space in the fold-down armrest.

The GX came standard with three rows and seating for seven, with the option to swap the second-row bench for captain’s chairs. The power-folding third row was available on the Premium trim with the Premium Plus Package and standard on the Luxury trim. However, the third row was best reserved for children, and accessing it was difficult. The GX had more first-row legroom on paper than the Land Rover Discovery, but it wasn’t very generous. The Discovery also had more second-row legroom and nearly the same headroom. The GX had 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, but with the third row up, cargo space was minimal.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a relatively roomy interior for a small SUV, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Simulated leather upholstery was standard, with the option for real leather. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof were available. The 64-color ambient lighting system allowed for customization.

Getting in and out of the GLB was easy, and the driver and front passenger had an excellent view. Storage was decent, but a small tray on the dashboard was missing. The rear doors opened wide to reveal comfortable seating for two adults, though the middle seat was cramped. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space and was best suited for children. The GLB had a power rear liftgate and a 22 cubic-foot cargo area, which could expand to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded.

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 compatibility. Two USB ports were available for each of the first two rows, but the third row had none. An optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions, with a seven-segment display for time and temperature. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to touchscreen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the AMG GLB35. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system.

The MBUX system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition, a digital assistant, and multiple control methods. The navigation system’s augmented reality technology was particularly useful in densely populated areas. The GLB’s high-resolution graphics and excellent touchscreen functionality made it easy to use, though the digital assistant occasionally recommended non-hospital medical facilities when asked for directions to the nearest hospital.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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 lacked some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not include the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The test vehicle also lacked evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. However, it did include Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.