2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes opted for a subtle design, avoiding the ostentatious grilles seen on the BMW X7 or Lexus LX. However, for those seeking more visual flair, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered enhanced styling with features like flared wheel arches, chrome accents, and larger wheels. Inside, the GLS 450 maintained a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, though it lacked some of the more extravagant options available in higher trims. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, providing a high-quality yet robust interior experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, maintained a more conservative exterior design, with minimal differentiation between hybrid and non-hybrid versions. The RX 500h stood out with its performance-oriented styling, including a blacked-out grille and aggressive bumper designs. The interior of the RX adopted a minimalist approach, with the RX 350h Luxury model featuring premium materials like Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered a sportier interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. Despite its conservative design, the RX provided a comfortable and luxurious cabin experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes’ EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the electric motor. The GLS 450 offered a smooth and powerful driving experience, although the air suspension's body control left room for improvement. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct hybrid powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, and achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, on the other hand, utilized a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds but had a lower fuel economy of 27 mpg. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and rear-wheel steering provided a dynamic driving experience, while the RX 350h offered a more efficient and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a spacious interior with a standard seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with captain’s chairs. The GLS provided excellent second-row legroom, thanks to its long wheelbase, and offered 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 84.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The GLS also featured one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate for easy loading and unloading.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with ten-way power-adjustable front seats in the RX 350h Luxury model, featuring premium leather and standard seat heating and ventilation. The RX 500h F Sport Performance offered eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The RX housed its battery packs under the rear seat, resulting in excellent leg support but limited rear headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, providing significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. However, the touchpad controller was found to be overly sensitive, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring activation of connected services plans for full functionality. The system included a cloud-based navigation system with Google points of interest and an Intelligent Assistant digital voice assistant. While the system generally performed well, it had some limitations, such as the inability to view multiple screen menus simultaneously and issues with screen reflections. The RX also offered an available head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, though these were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured standard safety equipment, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance systems. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driving assistance systems such as motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist, which automatically slowed the vehicle to maintain a safe following distance. While the safety systems generally performed well, some features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations.