2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS in its base GLS 450 form presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Range Rover, or Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided a gaudy grille, unlike the BMW X7 or Lexus LX. However, other GLS models offered more visual drama. The AMG GLS 63 performance model featured flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and AMG-specific 21-inch wheels, while the Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents, a traditional hood ornament, and massive 23-inch wheels. The interior of the GLS 450, though basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were well-integrated, framed nicely by the upright dashboard.

The 2023 Lexus RX, shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase, offered more cargo space than its predecessor but still less than rivals. Its design made it appear smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer lines. The front featured a better-integrated spindle-style grille, while the rear had a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior was familiar yet fresh, ensuring it stood out without being overly aggressive. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a large touchscreen display. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather, real wood, and aluminum trims were available, enhancing the cabin's luxurious feel.

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 produced 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was seamlessly integrated. However, the air suspension, while capable of raising and lowering the ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive bouncing and leaning in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and slightly improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing V6. During testing, the RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven pavement, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and the FWD version in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy was expected to average 25 mpg for the FWD and 24 mpg for the AWD, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, featuring a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version offered individual captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, and the bench seat could slide fore and aft as one piece, increasing legroom by 3.4 inches. The GLS 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. Loading and unloading were made easy with one-touch power-folding seats and a power tailgate. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 provided comfortable seating, with the F Sport Handling package offering sport seat bolsters for better support during spirited driving. The RX 350 Luxury trim featured semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport Handling trim had black NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats. The back seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX offered useful storage areas and improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, navigation, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” was the easiest to use, understanding normal speech well. However, the touchpad controller was too sensitive and difficult to use. The touchscreen and instrument cluster had good graphics, but the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, and various connected services plans. The Intelligent Assistant, activated by saying “Hey Lexus,” generally responded accurately, though it occasionally provided incorrect results. The system allowed for user profiles and streaming through embedded apps. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system required some adjustment for optimal sound. The RX also offered digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, a digital rearview mirror, and a digital key smartphone technology. A color head-up display was available, though it was difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a surround-view camera system, Crosswind Assist, parking assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and advanced driver-assistance features like Active Steering Assist and Active Lane Change Assist. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included advanced driving assistance systems like motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, intersection turn assistance, and curve speed-reduction function. New semi-autonomous driving technologies included Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist. LSS+ 3.0 performed well during testing, though some issues were noted with the HUD and curve-speed reduction technology. The driver monitoring system could be overly sensitive, especially when the driver’s forearm blocked the gauges.