2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced, if not entirely striking, appearance. The SUV's design, reminiscent of an athletic sneaker from certain angles, was neither offensive nor particularly captivating. Inside, the GLE 53 Coupe offered a luxurious experience with high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment system added a high-tech touch, though the lack of traditional controls required some acclimation.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models, including the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance, maintained a more understated exterior. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, with its Iridium paint and 21-inch wheels, lacked any hybrid-specific badging, which some might find appealing. The RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalist design with contemporary textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h featured Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h had a sportier, all-black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe was powered by 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 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 enhanced its performance, making it nimble and composed in various driving conditions.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds for the RX 350h AWD, with an estimated combined fuel economy of 36 mpg. Our test vehicle averaged 32 mpg. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. However, its combined fuel economy was lower, at an estimated 27 mpg, with our test vehicle averaging 20.9 mpg. The RX 500h also featured an adaptive damping suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, and Active Sound Control, making it a more engaging drive.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe could accommodate up to five passengers, though it was more comfortable for four. 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 space measured 27.5 cubic feet, expanding to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated armrests, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid also prioritized comfort, with the RX 350h Luxury model featuring ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The rear seats, positioned higher due to the battery pack, offered good leg support but limited headroom. The RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz 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 wireless smartphone charging. The Burmester surround-sound audio system was also standard. MBUX was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." Optional features included gesture recognition, augmented video for navigation, a head-up display, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, Lexus Interface, which required activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system included Service Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect, with a cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Assistant. The touchscreen interface had some drawbacks, such as reflections and the lack of a tuning knob. The available head-up display featured dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which could be problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, 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 safety 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. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve-speed reduction for adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist automatically slowed the RX to maintain a safe following distance and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some drawbacks, and the driver monitoring system could be triggered by certain driving positions. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though the latter was not tested.