2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to Mercedes-Benz's extensive SUV lineup. It slotted between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, with a length of 182.4 inches and a wheelbase of 111.4 inches. Despite its unique measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it hard to distinguish without checking the badge. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel. The dashboard featured a striking repetition of round shapes, with polished metal HVAC vents evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen was elegant and attractive. The cabin's fit and finish were excellent, typical of Mercedes-Benz. The beefy steering wheel with perforated leather grips added to the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, with a hybrid model designated as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport seated five, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. The RX's design, updated in 2020, remained modern and sporty, with aggressive styling that stood out among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The character lines were razor-sharp, and the angular features, especially in the front and rear, were eye-catching without being excessive.

The F Sport trim was the most athletic in appearance, featuring 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, dark window trimming, and unique front and rear fascias. The interior of the RX maintained a luxury appeal across all trims, with the F Sport adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable, with limited lumbar support and a challenging driving position.

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 (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was 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 performance was decent, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling and agility, making it a wise choice for those who planned to drive in various conditions. The Off-Road Engineering Package, standard with 4MATIC, included features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation, enhancing the GLB's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h added two high-torque electric motors to the V6, resulting in a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX 450h was AWD only.

Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming. The engine note was more akin to a turbocharged four-cylinder than a V6, and acceleration was unimpressive. The F Sport trim, with its performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, failed to deliver a significant improvement in driving dynamics. The drive modes, including Sport and Sport+, did not offer noticeable changes in handling. However, the RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, making it a pleasant companion for long drives.

The RX 350's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined, with AWD and the three-row L model reducing these figures by 1 mpg. The RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a critical choice: whether to add the third-row option. This decision significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatbacks were divided 40:20:40, with adjustable recline angles and a sliding function. In three-row models, the second row featured an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which was retractable and folded flat when not needed.

Cargo space in the two-row GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the three-row 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 third row was best suited for children or short trips for smaller adults. The front row offered excellent comfort and adjustability, with available heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The standard two-row Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults. The rear middle seat was best for short trips. Headroom was 39.4 inches in the front and 39.1 inches in the rear, with 44.1 inches of front legroom and 38.0 inches in the back. The three-row L models, with the same wheelbase as the two-row version, offered limited space for anything but groceries.

Cargo space in the standard RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. In three-row models, cargo space was 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows down. The rear seats did not fold completely flat, and the load-in height was high due to the sporty bumper. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, quick-access head-up display button, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, even as an entry-level model. It featured the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control, natural language understanding, and keyword activation. Standard tech included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a new-generation touchpad, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, cruise control, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each, added keyless go, and offered a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. AR navigation used a camera in the windshield to superimpose information like house numbers and street names over live images. Other advanced options 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 RX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. Despite being moved 5.5 inches closer to the driver in 2020, the touchscreen's positioning was still ergonomically unfriendly. The screen's placement within a cove on the center stack created access issues, partially blocking icons and forcing users to tap downward, leading to frustration.

The touchscreen was quick and responsive, but alternatives like voice commands and a touchpad were less user-friendly. The touchpad was hypersensitive and unintuitive, making it difficult to operate. The drive mode selector's placement next to the touchpad added to the confusion.

Despite these issues, the RX offered a long list of quality tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, dual- and tri-zone climate control, premium audio systems, navigation with cloud-based updates, heated and ventilated seats, and more. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB benefited from Mercedes-Benz's reputation for safety innovation. Standard features included active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety 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 in the human ear, helping reduce hearing loss from a car accident. The 2021 GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, a pre-collision system with cyclist and pedestrian detection, and intelligent high beams. Additional standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with GPS vehicle tracking. The Lexus app offered Collision Assistance for documenting and filing accident reports. The 2022 RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights but missed the top-tier "plus" designation due to its headlights rating. The NHTSA rated the RX four stars overall, with five stars in side crash tests and four stars in frontal crashes and rollover resistance.