2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a mixed reception regarding its exterior design. While it showed promise with an aggressive nose and sloping hood, it seemed to lose its edge past the A-pillar, making it almost indistinguishable from its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear helped mitigate its minivan-like appearance, but it still lacked the pitch-perfect proportions seen in competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. Even in AMG trim, the GLE struggled to match the visual appeal of rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. However, the interior was a different story. The 2021 redesign brought a more streamlined and cohesive look, with a luxurious interior featuring high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The twin arching grab handles, LED lighting, and a mix of wood, metal, leather, and suede made the cabin a delight, despite some flimsy gear selectors and turn signal stalks.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, on the other hand, had a more polarizing exterior. The Black Line treatment eradicated almost all chrome, giving it a menacing, all-black appearance. However, this look quickly became drab and shabby with a layer of dust. The GX's design remained largely unchanged from its first generation, making it look dated despite some modern touches like the spindle grille and LED headlights. Inside, the GX offered a high-quality cabin with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride. The seats were comfortable, and the interior padding was well-placed. However, the switchgear was old-school, and the rear seat access was challenging. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space, making it less practical for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with a complex suspension and engine setup. The base GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 offered AIRMATIC air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG models had sport-tuned suspensions and advanced systems like Roll Stabilization and E-Active Body Control, which allowed the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE 53 Coupe featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S had twin-turbo V8 engines with up to 603 hp. All GLE models, except the base GLE 350, were hybrids with a 48-volt battery system that provided additional power and seamless auto stop-start functionality. The GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 hp and 329 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a 7.8-second run to 60 mph and a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system provided a 40/60 power split between the front and rear wheels. The GX's high drag coefficient of 0.35 and its hefty curb weight resulted in a fuel economy of 16 mpg combined. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) helped maximize wheel articulation off-road while reducing body motions on pavement. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal made parking and smooth driving in traffic challenging. The Off-Road Package added features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and skid plates for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior with optional third-row seating, allowing for up to seven passengers. The second-row seats had power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, and the third-row access was made easier with sliding and folding seats. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers and had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. Cargo capacity in the standard GLE was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded, while the Coupe offered 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and simplified interface, though some controls required getting used to.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear outward visibility. The seats were comfortable, and the interior padding was well-placed. However, the switchgear was old-school, and the rear seat access was challenging due to narrow door openings. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space, making it less practical. The GX's cargo capacity was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate made loading difficult, especially in tight spaces.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, which could read hand gestures for shortcuts and magnify icons. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew and GPS lap timing. The Seat Kinetics system made small adjustments for comfort, and the head-up display and instrument panel were highly customizable. The GLE also offered features like perfume canisters, Energizing Comfort, heated armrests, and bolsters that inflated during steering. The navigation system projected front camera feed with overlay arrows, and the voice assistant responded to "Mercedes" commands. The semi-automated functionality included lane changes and curve slowing.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use and eliminated the need for the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The GX also had a CD player, a smartwatch-compatible Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The dual-screen view allowed for simultaneous navigation and radio display, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also offered Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned the Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, scoring top ratings in six crash tests, for headlights, and for its standard forward emergency braking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did not rate the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. The GLE also had Pre-Safe Sound, which played "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which inflated side bolsters to better position occupants during a side impact.

The 2022 Lexus GX, being an older model, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it came with standard Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving systems.