2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more subtle and less flashy appearance compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined look. The interior, even in its basic form, exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a blend of elegance and ruggedness. Its design featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, complemented by rugged elements like fender swells and skid plates. The interior was driver-focused, with quality materials and a mix of analog and digital gauges. The back seat was spacious, and the cargo area, though narrower between the wheel wells, offered practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The EQ Boost mild-hybrid system added 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to a less comfortable ride. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's ride quality was firm, and it handled well on various terrains. However, it lacked a downhill assist control system, which limited its off-road capabilities compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version featuring captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for access to the third row. 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. The air suspension made loading and unloading cargo easier, but the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and some ergonomic issues were noted.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 featured a comfortable interior with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat was roomy, and the rear doors opened to nearly a 90-degree angle for easy entry and exit. The CX-50 offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, storage space was limited, and the load floor was narrow between the wheel wells.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS was equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and a 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The voice recognition system was user-friendly, but the touchpad controller was cumbersome. The navigation system had some issues, including suggesting a longer route unnecessarily.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect's user interface was often frustrating, but the new model allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available Bose 12-speaker sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered useful information within the driver’s line of sight.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features like 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. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered a comprehensive package of standard safety features, with additional options available on the top trim. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control had some issues recognizing slower vehicles in heavy traffic, but overall, the safety systems performed well.