2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a mixed reception regarding its exterior design. While it featured an aggressive nose and a sloping, low hood, the design seemed to lose its appeal past the A-pillar, making it look similar to its predecessor. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped somewhat, but the overall look didn't match the elegance of other Mercedes models. However, the interior was a different story. The redesigned GLE Coupe boasted a streamlined and cohesive look, with a luxurious interior featuring high-quality materials, vibrant colors, and advanced textures. The red and black interior of the test model was particularly striking, offering a sense of opulence that rivaled even high-end SUVs from Porsche and Audi.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased the modern design aesthetic of Lexus with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. The interior was equally impressive, featuring sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery. The RX was available in five variants, each offering different levels of performance and luxury. The changes made to the body for the 2020 model year, including elongated headlights and a redesigned front end, carried over to 2021, giving the RX a more refined look. Standard features included 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and rear privacy glass, with various exterior upgrades available for those seeking a more customized appearance.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of engine options and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 upgraded to a 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with twin-turbo V8 engines producing 483 and 603 horsepower, respectively. The GLE's air suspension systems, including AIRMATIC and E-Active Body Control, provided exceptional ride quality and handling, making it feel agile despite its size. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with the GLE 450 achieving 21/26/23 mpg and the GLE 350 4Matic managing 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus RX, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined the V6 with three electric motors, producing a total of 308 horsepower. The RX's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD RX 350 achieving 20/27/23 mpg and the AWD RX 350 managing 19/26/22 mpg. The RX Hybrid models offered even better fuel economy, with up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, making it more dynamic, though it still exhibited some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements, making it a more spirited option for those seeking a sportier drive.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models featuring two rows of seats and an optional third row for seven-passenger seating. The second-row seats had power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, making it easy to access the third row. Cargo capacity was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The GLE Coupe, however, had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline, offering 23 cubic feet behind the second row and 61 cubic feet with all rows folded. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability, featuring a single touchpad and a simplified interface.

The 2021 Lexus RX also provided a functional interior, with the two-row RX 350, RX F-Sport, and RX 450h seating five, and the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid seating six or seven. Front-seat occupants enjoyed ample space, while the second row was comfortable for adults. The third row, however, was tight for passengers of any age. Cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered even less cargo space, with just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, which could read hand gestures. The MBUX system included a touchpad, voice assistant, and customizable displays. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for tracking lap times and performance. Other features included seat kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a head-up display with multiple layouts. The GLE also offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a range of comfort features like heated armrests and bolsters that inflated during steering.

The 2021 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and a nine-speaker sound system. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, navigation, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. The touch aspect of the infotainment system worked well, though the operating system was not the most user-friendly. The Remote Touch controller allowed drivers to navigate the screen without touching it, but it took up valuable center console space. Steering-wheel controls were easy to use, but the RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, scoring top marks in six crash tests and for its standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor, with optional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and front cross-traffic braking. The GLE also offered Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side for added protection in a crash.

The 2021 Lexus RX received the Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring all Good marks on crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. However, the RX lacked the hands-off piloting features found in some competitors.