2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the brand's extensive SUV lineup. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its unique dimensions, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB's attractive, athletic stance was enhanced by its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, making it more versatile for 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's fit and finish were top-notch, and the beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered a range of trim levels and prices from $37,950 to $49,000. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, stood out in F Sport and Luxury trims. The NX's design featured the signature Lexus spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, providing more passenger and cargo space. The NX's interior, especially in Luxury trim, included real leather, open-pore wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats, a unique steering wheel, and dark interior trim. The minimalist interior design, while a departure from the previous model, integrated many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use initially.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and 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. The GLB's curb weight ranged from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, and it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, especially on dry roads and during cornering maneuvers. The Off-Road Engineering Package, standard with 4MATIC, included features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 250, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The NX 350 offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, while the F Sport trim added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350 could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury trim. The NX's handling was improved over the previous model, but the turbocharged engine's sound was less refined compared to German rivals.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which affected the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with each section adjustable for recline and slide. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which was retractable when not needed. Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The front seats were highly adjustable and supportive, with available heated and ventilated options. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed to offer more interior room, but the new dashboard design created a more intimate feeling. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim provided better bolstering for the front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes, although this was not tested during the evaluation.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and keyword activation. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added keyless go. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation used a camera feed to superimpose information over live images. Other available features included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen display standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Standard equipment included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch HUD, and User Profiles for storing preferences. The digital key feature allowed smartphone-based access and starting. The 14-inch touchscreen collected fingerprints and dust, and lacked a tuning knob, which was a drawback.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB included standard safety features like active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, attention assist, and emergency call service. Available features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. Pre-Safe Sound emitted a brief interference signal to trigger the stapedius reflex, reducing hearing loss from a collision. The GLB had not been rated for safety by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus NX came with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had standard blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.