2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 showcased several subtle yet notable changes that aimed to enhance its sophisticated appearance and bolster Mazda's effort to climb into the premium vehicle segment. At first glance, the exterior modifications might have seemed minor, but they offered a refined touch, featuring new LED headlights and taillights that provided more distinctive illumination. Additionally, the CX-5 flaunted revised front and rear bumpers, a fresh grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheels that, albeit uninspired, complemented the vehicle's overall look. The top-tier Signature trim further distinguished itself with body-color lower exterior trim, underscoring Mazda's premium aspirations.

Inside, Mazda retained the CX-5's existing stylistic elements while enhancing the ambiance with premium materials. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather upholstery, authentic wood inlays, and polished metallic accents that collectively exuded upscale elegance. The interior revisions for 2022 focused on new seats designed to improve comfort and support, creating a more pleasant driving experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class received an understated exterior makeover, making it challenging for even trained eyes to identify significant changes. Subtle enhancements included a grille filled with Mercedes star logos and revised headlights and taillights. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights augmented its modern aesthetic.

The test model, the GLE 450e, sported an eye-catching Twilight Blue metallic exterior and sleek 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, features that substantially contributed to its visual appeal. The GLE 450e's interior epitomized luxury and sophistication, boasting Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery enhanced by natural grain brown walnut trim. The cabin offered an extensive selection of customization options, including ten interior colors and five trim materials, such as brushed aluminum and gray oak, ensuring a personalized and high-quality experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 delivered a versatile performance spectrum with its two available powertrains. The base CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, competitive figures for its class. This version incorporated a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), yielding an EPA-rated fuel economy of 26 mpg in combined driving.

For those desiring enhanced acceleration and torque, the CX-5 2.5 Turbo offered a turbocharged variant of the 2.5-liter engine. Using premium fuel, it produced an impressive 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. When using regular fuel, these numbers adjusted to 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Despite the power increase, the fuel economy dipped slightly to 24 mpg combined in the EPA's ratings, though real-world testing in Southern California averaged around 21.1 mpg. Both turbo versions incorporated a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD.

The 2022 CX-5’s chassis improvements, including increased structural rigidity and refined suspension tuning, contributed to its improved ride quality and handling. Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered various driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Off-Road—enhancing the vehicle's adaptability to different driving conditions. These updates distinguished the CX-5 as a well-handling SUV with a remarkably composed and quiet cabin, positioning it as a credible alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class provided a wide array of powertrains to suit diverse buyer preferences. Starting at approximately $63,805, the range included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and the GLE 580, with AMG models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S catering to performance enthusiasts. Engine options spanned from turbocharged four-cylinders to a formidable twin-turbo V8 in the AMG GLE 63 S, which produced a staggering 603 horsepower.

The GLE 450e, which we tested, combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver a robust 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Power was transferred to all four wheels via a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes claimed a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, and the GLE 450e felt every bit that fast during highway merges and acceleration from traffic signals. The hybrid powertrain also provided an estimated electric-only range of about 40 miles, capable of operating at highway speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was virtually seamless, ensuring an enjoyable and quiet drive.

Even with large 21-inch wheels, the GLE 450e displayed exceptional ride quality, effortlessly absorbing bumps and maintaining composure. Measuring over 196 inches in length and 76 inches in width, the GLE wasn’t small, yet its sophisticated steering system made it feel agile and easy to maneuver.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride quality and seating comfort with new seats that provided better support and a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, now standard in all trims except the 2.5 S base, further improved occupant comfort. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo, featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it well-equipped for various weather conditions.

Rear-seat passengers still faced a snug space, albeit offset by heated outboard seats and air conditioning vents to enhance comfort. Despite its advantages, the CX-5’s interior storage was limited, offering small bins and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was adequate, providing 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down—a generous amount compared to luxury entry-level SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class excelled in spaciousness and comfort. Accommodating five passengers, the GLE 450e's interior was roomy and airy, attributed to its light beige upholstery. The large windows provided excellent visibility, a welcome feature often missing in modern SUVs. The GLE also offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but more limited than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90.

Comfort touches in the GLE 450e included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power liftgate, and faux leather upholstery, with additional luxury options such as ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof. The interior trim levels, Exclusive and Pinnacle, offered premium features like a Burmester surround-sound system, massaging seats, and advanced navigation systems, further enhancing the upscale experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display but eschewed touch controls in favor of center console and steering wheel controls, upholding Mazda’s focus on minimizing driver distraction. The system did not feature natural voice recognition, necessitating the use of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for intuitive assistance. Connected services, including a three-year complimentary subscription, provided added convenience, and higher trims featured a 10-speaker Bose sound system, although opinions on its quality varied.

Conversely, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class featured a sophisticated Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system supported touch commands, center console controls, and steering wheel touch-sensitive buttons. The GLE 450e included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system with reduced hypersensitivity.

Key technology highlights included augmented reality navigation and a head-up instrument display, both of which provided exceptional clarity and convenience. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, however, could be unintentionally activated, which was a minor but recurrent inconvenience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive safety suite within its standard i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5’s crash-test ratings were commendable, earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS, underscoring its robust safety credentials.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class also boasted an extensive lineup of standard safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and hands-free park assist. Our test vehicle included the optional Driver Assistance package, enhancing safety with active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's systems were unobtrusive and reliable, ensuring a safe driving experience without unnecessary intrusions.