2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport seated five, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. The 2022 model continued the modern and sporty design introduced in its 2020 facelift, featuring a revised grille and other exterior enhancements. Among its competitors, the RX stood out with its aggressive styling, characterized by sharp character lines and angular features that balanced eye-catching design with careful restraint.

The F Sport trim was the most athletic in appearance, featuring 20-inch wheels, black-housing outside mirrors, dark window trimming, F Sport badging, and a unique front fascia with larger air intakes. The interior of the RX mirrored its exterior luxury, with nearly a dozen color combinations available. F Sport models added sporty elements like model-specific badging and Scored Aluminum trim. Despite the high-quality feel of the materials, the center stack felt dated, and the NuLuxe seats in the F Sport trim were less comfortable than expected. The limited-edition Black Line trim offered high-end looks with exclusive black-colored features and contrast gray stitching.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted between the GLA and GLC in the automaker's SUV lineup, available in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 offered front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 featured a more powerful drivetrain and sophisticated AWD system. The AMG GLB35 had a starting price of $51,000, with options bringing the total to $57,250. The GLB's design was functional, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. The interior was beautifully rendered, with high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting.

The GLB's controls required some acclimation, with unconventional features like a steering wheel stalk gear selector and touch-sensing buttons. The quality of materials was evident, but the road noise was loud, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with a firm ride and some throttle lag. However, it excelled on twisty roads, offering a fun driving experience with excellent grip and responsive brakes. The GLB250 was better suited for daily driving, offering a more comfortable and quieter ride.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was equipped with 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 for a combined output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the RX 350 and AWD available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with AWD. Despite the F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension, sport steering, and a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system, but the drive modes did not significantly alter the driving experience.

The RX excelled in driving comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing rough patches and providing a serene ride. The EPA estimated the RX 350's fuel efficiency at 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 combined, with slight variations for AWD and three-row models. The RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with the AMG GLB35 version producing 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLB35 had an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 22 mpg combined. The AMG GLB35 included an AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension, emphasizing performance over comfort.

The AMG GLB35's powertrain exhibited some throttle lag, and the ride was firm, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. However, it excelled on twisty roads, offering a fun driving experience with excellent grip and responsive brakes. The GLB250 was better suited for daily driving, offering a more comfortable and quieter ride.

The standard two-row Lexus RX had 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably fitting four adults. The front seats offered 39.4 inches of headroom and 44.1 inches of legroom, while the rear seats had 39.1 inches of headroom and 38.0 inches of legroom. The three-row L models had limited cargo space, with only 7.45 cubic feet available with all seats upright. The RX offered thoughtful interior features like a dedicated smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a relatively roomy interior for a small SUV, with an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The GLB's cargo area provided 22 cubic feet of space, expanding to 62 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded flat. The GLB's interior featured high-quality materials and excellent outward visibility, with comfortable seating for two adults in the rear.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. The touchscreens were positioned within a cove on top of the center stack, creating access issues. The alternatives were voice commands and a touchpad, both of which were frustrating to use. The RX offered a long list of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the AMG GLB35. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package included a navigation system with augmented reality. Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, 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. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not include the optional Driver Assistance Package, which added 12 advanced safety features. Standard safety features included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, Mercedes-Benz emergency call service, rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.