2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

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 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 system added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos, particularly in its SEL trim, aimed to deliver a stylish and sporty appearance. The Cornflower Blue paint, bold 19-inch alloy wheels, and well-proportioned design gave it an upscale look. Inside, the Taos SEL featured light gray seat and dashboard accents, gloss black trim, metallic detailing, and leather seats, making it feel like a budget-friendly Audi. The spacious interior, nearly as roomy as the larger Tiguan, added to its appeal, making it one of the largest small crossover SUVs available.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by 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 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, but our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe also boasted a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Off-road. The AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes further enhanced its performance capabilities.

In comparison, the 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive models and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for all-wheel-drive versions. The Taos offered up to five driving modes and additional settings for the 4Motion AWD system. However, the powertrain response was inconsistent, making smooth driving a challenge. Despite switching to Sport mode, the Taos SEL's performance fell short compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona N. The Taos averaged 26.8 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg in combined driving. The independent multi-link rear suspension in AWD models provided a firm and stable ride, but the brake pedal response was unpredictable.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe could technically seat five people, but it was more comfortable for four adults. The sport-bolstered, multi-contour front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, making long drives comfortable. The back seat provided 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 Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, available in S, SE, and SEL trims, offered different upholstery options, with the SEL featuring real leather. The SE and SEL trims included cold-weather equipment, such as heated side mirrors, heated washer nozzles, and heated front seats. The SEL also had rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Taos felt spacious inside, with a comfortable eight-way power driver's seat and a roomy back seat with air conditioning vents and a panoramic sunroof. The cargo area provided 27.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. With 4Motion, the cargo space was slightly reduced to 24.9 and 60.2 cubic feet, respectively.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came standard with the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens under a single piece of glass. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system also offered wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured standard digital instrumentation, with an eight-inch screen for S and SE trims and a 10.25-inch display for the SEL. The infotainment system varied by trim, with the Taos S offering a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Car-Net connected services. The SE and SEL trims added an eight-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and an additional USB port. The SEL also included a native navigation system, an eight-speaker Beats Audio premium sound system, and optional connected services for over-the-air navigation updates and premium streaming media. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden virtual controls, a complicated radio tuning process, and ineffective voice-recognition technology.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 driver support and collision avoidance systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's safety systems were refined and accurate, with top safety ratings for the standard GLE from the IIHS and NHTSA.

For 2023, the Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Taos SE and SEL trims added the IQ.Drive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including Lane Assist, Travel Assist, Emergency Assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a road-sign recognition system. Travel Assist performed well in real-world driving, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The Taos received decent crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.