2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, which gave it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the model boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the CX-5 had its drawbacks, such as a small back seat, limited cargo space, and a frustrating infotainment system. Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37 to the Q50 and Q60. The hope was that loyal CX-5 customers would smoothly transition to the new model.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE, while subtle in its aesthetic changes, offered a refined and luxurious experience. The headlights and taillights were sharper, and the grille featured chrome inserts, adding a touch of sportiness. The optional AMG Line package enhanced the exterior's appeal. Inside, the GLE maintained the classic Mercedes-Benz feel, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of Bahia Brown seating and open-pore walnut trim in the test model was reminiscent of a 1970s rec room. The GLE coupe, available only in the sporty AMG guise, offered similar features with reduced interior space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5 S model came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. It achieved an EPA rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The more enticing option was the 2.5 Turbo, which delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined. The turbocharged engine's torque arrived at 2,000 rpm with regular gas and 2,500 rpm with premium fuel, providing a quick and enjoyable driving experience. The CX-5's structural and suspension updates improved its driving dynamics, making it feel more like an entry-level luxury vehicle.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. However, the test vehicle was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, which combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The 450e could travel up to 55 miles on electric power alone, and the transition between electric and gas modes was seamless. While the GLE 450e offered a comfortable ride, it lacked the sporty driving dynamics of some competitors. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge, making it convenient for road trips.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 received updates to its front seats for improved comfort and support. The interior featured high-quality materials, with the Signature trim offering Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were less impressive. The infotainment system lacked a conversational voice recognition system, and the in-cabin storage areas were relatively small. The cargo area provided 30.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxuries, offering heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, along with heated and cooled cup holders. The cabin featured customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors. The GLE could tow up to 7,700 pounds and included Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was frustrating to use. The system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and the physical controls on the center console were awkward. The control knob required a series of twists and pushes to execute commands, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. Despite these issues, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial subscription to Mazda Connected Services. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than those in some other Mercedes models, it was easy to use. The system included a touchpad on the center console and voice-activated controls. The GLE featured an augmented reality navigation system and an off-road page with useful information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but the tester experienced connectivity issues. The GLE also offered multiple USB-C ports for charging.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most driver assistance technologies offered as standard under the i-Activsense banner. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim included additional features like a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, the vehicle lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, which was a concern.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added features like active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded the GLE top scores in crashworthiness and crash avoidance, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.