2022 Mazda CX-5 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 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 feel, although the lack of traditional controls required some acclimation.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 received subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, addressing previous complaints about the seating. The driving position was sportier, and the height-adjustable front passenger seat added convenience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost 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 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes enhanced performance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. The 2.5 Turbo variant offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD improved performance. The CX-5’s new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes. The increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning provided a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe could technically seat five, but four passengers were more comfortable. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. 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. Comfort upgrades included heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, heated rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5’s new seats provided improved comfort and support, with a sportier driving position. The height-adjustable front passenger seat was a welcome addition. The back seat remained snug but featured heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was a source of frustration due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin, wireless smartphone charging, and door armrest trays. The cargo space offered 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with 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 standard. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring the use of center console and steering wheel controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services were standard. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The optional 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 operated with remarkable refinement and accuracy. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the standard i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, 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 trim 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 CX-5 received a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the IIHS.