2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB slotted into the automaker's SUV lineup between the GLA and the GLC. It came in GLB250 and AMG GLB35 specifications. The GLB250 featured front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), while the AMG GLB35 had a more powerful drivetrain, including a more sophisticated AWD system. This year, satellite radio became part of the Premium Package, and a new AMG Night Package Plus was available with black grille louvers and black badges. Prices started at $38,600 for the GLB250 with FWD, excluding the $1,050 destination charge.

Our test vehicle arrived in AMG GLB35 spec, starting at $51,000 (including destination). Options included metallic paint, 21-inch wheels, heated front seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in premium leather, and AMG Drive Unit controls on the steering wheel. The test sample also had both the Premium and Multimedia Packages, bringing the total to $57,250 (including destination). The GLB’s design was an acquired taste, with a steep windshield angle, nearly vertical rear window, and short overhangs. The interior, however, was beautifully rendered in the Mercedes-Benz tradition, featuring high-definition instrumentation and infotainment displays, artistic air vents, and ambient lighting.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim to underscore Mazda’s bid to become a premium brand. The interior remained unchanged, with the Signature trim offering premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The seats were new for 2022, providing improved comfort.

Mazda introduced a more confusing lineup for the CX-5, with the 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo trims. The 2.5 S came in base, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and Premium Plus trims, with prices ranging from $25,900 to $33,950, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. The 2.5 Turbo came in base ($36,400) and Signature ($38,650) trims. Our test vehicle was the 2.5 Turbo, equipped with optional Soul Red paint, a navigation system, a rear bumper guard, and a package including roof rails and crossbars, totaling $39,445 (including the $1,225 destination charge).

Both versions of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB employed a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLB35 version was enhanced to produce 302 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm, and 295 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. These were gains of 81 hp and 37 lb-ft over the GLB250's turbo engine. The AMG GLB35 featured an AMG SpeedShift eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, AMG Performance variable 4Matic AWD, and an AMG Sport Exhaust system. It also had Dynamic Cornering Assist, a brake-based torque vectoring system, and drivers could calibrate the SUV’s dynamic behavior using both the Dynamic Select and the AMG Dynamics mode settings.

According to Mercedes, the AMG GLB35 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, a full 1.8 seconds quicker than the GLB250. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the AMG GLB35 was 22 mpg in combined driving, down from 25 mpg for the GLB 250 4Matic. We averaged 21.8 mpg on our testing loop. The AMG GLB35 emphasized performance over daily-driving comfort, with a firm ride, especially with the optional 21-inch wheels. The AMG High-Performance Braking System and AMG Ride Control adaptive damping sport suspension were standard, along with Direct Steer, a variable steering system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. For 2022, Mazda revised the six-speed automatic transmission for more responsive performance, and all CX-5s had standard AWD. The EPA rated this powertrain at 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, when run on premium gas, provided 256 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. On regular gas, the power figures were 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The EPA rated the 2.5 Turbo at 24 mpg in combined driving, but we saw 21.1 mpg on our testing loop.

Both 2.5 Turbo trims and the 2.5 S Premium and Premium Plus got the new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) drive modes with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road settings. All CX-5s benefited from increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning for a quieter and smoother yet still sporty ride. The 2022 CX-5’s ride and handling nearly eliminated body roll, ride chop, and weight toss when driving with enthusiasm on a winding, undulating mountain road. The added sense of solidity combined with newfound cabin quietude added credibility to Mazda’s claim of transforming into a premium brand.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB was designed for comfort and cargo, offering an optional third-row seat suitable for children. Standard equipment included dual-zone automatic climate control and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Simulated leather upholstery called MB-Tex was standard, with options for real leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass sunroof. The GLB’s interior featured a 64-color ambient lighting system.

Getting into and out of the GLB was easy, and both the driver and front passenger had an excellent view out. The rear doors opened wide to reveal comfortable seating for two adults. The optional third-row seat reduced storage space underneath the cargo floor. A power rear liftgate was standard, revealing a 22 cubic-foot cargo area that could hold four full-size suitcases. Folding the second-row seat flat increased the cargo space to 62 cubic feet.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its flinty ride and handling and undersized front seats. The new seats provided better support and a sportier driving position. All CX-5 models except the 2.5 S base trim included a height-adjustable front passenger’s seat. The 2.5 Turbo test vehicle had leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seat cushions, and a heated steering wheel.

The back seat remained snug, but the test vehicle’s heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout was a source of frustration, as the Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. Storage space was adequate, with a small bin underneath the center armrest and wireless smartphone charging in a tray forward of the transmission shifter.

Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. These numbers compared favorably to entry-level luxury SUVs but were unimpressive compared to mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB’s high-tech interior featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. In the AMG GLB 35, MBUX included a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. All GLB models had standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as Mercedes Me connected services. The optional Premium Package added satellite radio, while the Multimedia Package equipped the GLB with a navigation system with an augmented reality system.

Additional upgrades included wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester premium surround-sound audio system, WiFi service, and an MBUX Interior Assistant gesture control system. Mercedes also offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an integrated dashcam. MBUX could be interacted with via natural voice recognition, the touchscreen display, physical center console controls, and steering wheel controls. The natural voice recognition and digital assistant worked well, but the navigation system’s augmented reality technology was especially useful in densely populated areas after dark.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed touch interfaces caused driver distraction and did not include natural voice recognition. Instead, users had to operate the system using controls on the center console and steering wheel. Over time, users acclimated to Mazda’s approach, but the lack of a touchscreen and natural voice recognition was a drawback.

Mazda Connect required smartphone connection to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for intuitive help. Standard features included text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services, with a generous three-year trial subscription. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLB test vehicle did not have the optional Driver Assistance Package, which cost $1,700 and added 12 driving assistance and collision-avoidance technologies. Missing features included evasive steering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic warning systems, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The test vehicle included Active Brake Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Rain-sensing wipers, an Attention Assist driver monitoring system, and Exit Warning Assist were also standard. Crash-test ratings for the GLB were unavailable.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 included the standard i-Activsense package of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. This package included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5 S Premium added adaptive headlights, while the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Signature also had Traffic Jam Assist.

i-Activsense operated mostly in the background, with a delay in recognizing a car that had tucked into the gap ahead, followed by sudden braking. The blind-spot warning appeared in the head-up display, reducing the need to look away from the road. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2022 Mazda CX-5 a “Top Safety Pick+” rating.