2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX, available in base 350, F Sport, and L trim levels, along with a hybrid RX 450h model, presented a modern and sporty design. The RX 350 and F Sport offered seating for five, while the L trim provided a three-row, 7-passenger option. The RX's design, with its aggressive styling and sharp character lines, stood out among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented appearance with 20-inch wheels and unique front fascia, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the RX maintained a luxury feel, with F Sport models adding sporty elements like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. However, the center stack felt dated, and the seats, especially in the F Sport, lacked comfort and adjustability.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, offered a design that was more athletic than offensive. Despite the absence of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe's V8 engine, the GLE 53 Coupe maintained a high-end appearance with its Nappa leather interior, Dinamica suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. The interior design, though complex, was user-friendly over time, with a lack of traditional controls requiring some acclimation. Overall, the GLE Coupe's design was both sumptuous and sporty, appealing to those seeking a blend of luxury and performance.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, while the hybrid RX 450h combined a V6 with electric motors for 308 hp. Despite its F Sport designation, the RX's performance was underwhelming, with a lackluster engine note and unimpressive acceleration. The F Sport Handling package added features like adaptive suspension and sport steering, but changes in driving dynamics were minimal. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections with ease. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, with the hybrid RX 450h achieving 30 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe boasted a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 429 hp and 384 pound-feet of torque, enhanced by EQ Boost for additional power. The SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system provided robust acceleration and handling. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Sport+ for high-performance driving. The GLE Coupe's performance was impressive, with nimble handling and a comfortable ride. Fuel economy was slightly lower than expected, with a combined rating of 18.5 mpg. The GLE Coupe excelled in both urban and highway settings, offering a reserve of performance for spirited driving.

The 2022 Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume in its two-row configuration, comfortably seating four adults. The three-row L models, with a 2/3/2 seating configuration, were less spacious, suitable mainly for short trips. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 16.0 cubic feet, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. The three-row version offered limited cargo space with all seats upright. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot and adjustable cup holder, but the high load-in height for the cargo area was a drawback.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe accommodated up to five people, though four was more comfortable. The sport-bolstered front seats offered numerous adjustments and were supportive during spirited driving. Rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The GLE Coupe included comfort upgrades like heated and ventilated seats, a four-zone climate control system, and an in-cabin fragrance system, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch version available. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the screen's positioning was ergonomically unfriendly. The infotainment system was responsive, but the touchpad was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The Lexus App provided additional connectivity options.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, and a Burmester audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included gesture recognition and augmented video for navigation. The touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently, but overall, the GLE Coupe's technology was advanced and intuitive.

The 2022 Lexus RX included the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a pre-collision system. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RX was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional headlights but received four stars overall from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe offered numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 systems, including Traffic Jam Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though crash-test results were unavailable. The standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.