2023 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 vehicle's exterior design was generally well-received. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials, including 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 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. The CX-5's stylish design and high-quality materials gave it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The CX-5's interior, especially in the Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather upholstery and a range of comfort features. However, the vehicle's small back seat, cramped cargo area, and frustrating infotainment system were notable drawbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 hp at 6,100 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, though our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe also included 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 the vehicle's performance.

In urban settings, the GLE Coupe's speed-sensitive variable-ratio power steering made maneuvering easy, while the AMG Active Ride Control suspension provided a comfortable ride. However, the 22-inch wheels and sporty tuning were less forgiving on rougher roads. On winding roads, the GLE 53 Coupe's performance was impressive, with excellent grip and braking. The vehicle's size and weight were minor drawbacks, but overall, it offered a taut, nimble, and composed driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbo engine provided a significant power boost, making the CX-5 effortlessly quick. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg for the turbo engine, though our test vehicle achieved 21.4 mpg. The CX-5's structural rigidity, improved suspension dampening, and responsive six-speed automatic transmission contributed to a refined driving experience.

The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by the turbocharged engine's torque delivery and the vehicle's firm, connected ride quality. The steering and brakes were responsive, making the CX-5 enjoyable to drive on various road types. However, the vehicle's fuel economy fell short of expectations during our testing.

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, providing comfort on long drives. The back seat had ample legroom, and the cargo area offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included heated rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's front seats were improved for comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger in most trims. Higher trims offered power adjustments, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim featured luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with small storage areas, a cramped back seat, and a cargo area offering 30.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet. The infotainment system's lack of a conversational voice recognition system and awkward physical controls were significant drawbacks.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, a navigation system, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." However, the touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D surround-sound system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system had a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The lack of a helpful voice recognition system and the awkward physical controls on the center console made it challenging to operate. The system required a series of twists and pushes to execute commands, often necessitating looking away from the road. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services, and a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system in upper trims. The test vehicle also had a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and Pre Safe Sound. The Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The lane-keeping assistance technology was particularly effective, and the adaptive cruise control's route-based speed adaptation function could be turned off. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered most of its driver assistance technology as standard under the i-Activsense banner. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, rear low-speed automatic emergency braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The i-Activsense tech operated smoothly and accurately, with an Active Driving Display showing operational status and alerts. The lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control were subtle and effective. The CX-5 also had an E911 system for automatic collision notification. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.