2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither offensive nor overly dramatic. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from certain angles, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to maintain a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the vehicle was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, particularly in Black Onyx, transformed into a rolling black hole with its eradicated chrome and dark paint job. However, it quickly accumulated dust, making it look worn and dated. The GX's design, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002, appeared old despite modern touches like the spindle grille and LED headlights. Inside, the cabin maintained Lexus's legendary quality with smooth, refined materials and a quiet atmosphere, only interrupted by the faint roar of the V8 engine.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, added extra power and helped conserve fuel, resulting in an EPA rating of 19 mpg combined, though our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe also boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced its performance, making it nimble and composed in various driving conditions.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, allowed the GX to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Despite its 5,126-pound curb weight and high drag coefficient of 0.35, the GX managed an EPA rating of 16 mpg combined, matching our test result. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved wheel articulation off-road and reduced body motions on pavement, making the GX stable and secure. However, its slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe could technically seat five people, but it was more comfortable for four, especially if the rear passengers were adults. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring comfort on long drives. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system, a Warmth and Comfort Package, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 offered a tall driving position with clear visibility from a 10-way power-adjustable seat. The interior featured comfortable seats and well-padded surfaces, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the rear seats were heated, with triple-zone automatic climate control. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult, and the third-row seat was cramped and hard to access. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 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 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. Wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system were also standard. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available but not included in the test vehicle. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist, surround-view, and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, though the route-based speed adaptation function could be irritating. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these features might appeal to some buyers, but others might find it lacking.