2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup mates, showcasing the brand's signature design language. The GLB stood out with its athletic stance and a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, offering a more forgiving ride over soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted excellent fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell, with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its origins, with a massive grille and a tough, aggressive look. However, the interior felt dated, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While leather upholstery was standard, the overall interior quality lagged behind modern luxury SUVs. The GX's upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle contributed to a bus-like driving feel. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility, thanks to its boxy profile and low side glass.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with 4MATIC all-wheel drive available for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for FWD and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for AWD. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB delivered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 0-60 mph time was 7.8 seconds, but its 5,130-pound weight affected performance at higher speeds. The GX's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled off-road, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and driver aids like hill-descent control. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler and Crawl Control. The GX offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between two and three-row configurations. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback and a 40:60 split seat bottom, with adjustable recline and sliding capabilities. The third row, available as an option, was retractable and best suited for children or short trips. Cargo space varied from 27.0 cubic feet in the two-row model to 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row in the three-row version. The GLB's front seats were comfortable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options. The second row provided ample comfort for two adults, while modern amenities like door pockets and cupholders met expectations.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high center console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving experience. The GX's boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The center-console storage bin and cupholders were small, and the third row was difficult to access. The GX offered three rows of seating, with a power-folding third row available on higher trims. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches and added features like keyless go and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included augmented reality navigation and traffic-sign assist. Advanced options like adaptive damping, ambient lighting, and a head-up display were also available.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Standard connectivity included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, with two USB ports for the first two rows. The infotainment system's graphics were outdated, and the touchscreen offered limited functionality. However, Lexus provided analog controls for most functions, offering a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a suite of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and attention assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. However, the GLB had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.