2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus' familial design, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant added sportier elements like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior color. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 3D speedometer and tachometer. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models like the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX provided a functional and comfortable interior, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, in its base form, offered a more subtle look compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. The AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions added visual drama with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. The Maybach model also included luxuries like reclining rear seats, while the AMG version featured performance-oriented interiors with stainless steel trim and heavily bolstered Nappa leather seats.

Our test car had a basic interior by GLS standards but still felt luxurious with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed under one piece of glass, providing a sleek look. The GLS 450's interior felt high quality and durable, suitable for a luxury SUV. However, some ergonomic issues, like the touchscreen being too far to reach easily, were noted.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but not as smooth as the eight-, nine-, or ten-speed transmissions found in newer models. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a standard performance for its segment. The ride was relatively quiet, though the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the car's speakers.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar figures but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering was numb.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with the electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The electric motor also served as the starter and powered most accessories, reducing the engine's workload. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth and powerful performance, making it a perfect fit for a luxury SUV.

The GLS 450 had a 7,700-pound towing capacity, which was competitive but not the highest in its class. The standard air suspension could raise and lower the ride height, but the test car exhibited poor body control, bouncing over bumps and leaning in corners. Despite this, the six-cylinder engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom in the second row. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with individual captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The air suspension could lower for easier loading, and one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate were standard.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and HomeLink. The Navigation package added Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a personal concierge service. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on higher trims. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and natural-language voice recognition. A 13-speaker Burmester audio system was standard, with a head-up display as an option. The MBUX system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and the touchscreen. The voice recognition system, activated by "Hey Mercedes," was particularly effective. However, the touchpad controller was overly sensitive and difficult to use.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included 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. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top "Good" scores in all crash tests from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, second-row side airbags, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.