2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minor, with the most noticeable being the clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e model, in particular, stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. The interior of the GLE 450e was equally impressive, featuring a luxurious combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim, offering a high-quality and robust cabin experience.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer adopted a more road car-like styling with a sleek profile, low roofline, and a prominent grille framed by stacked headlights. The Blazer RS test vehicle, with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance for a mainstream crossover. The Blazer's interior had a sportier aesthetic, reminiscent of the Camaro muscle car, with an upright dashboard and large round air vents. The RS model featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a dark blue and black two-tone upholstery, providing a high-end feel. Despite its sporty look, the Blazer maintained the visual weight of an SUV, thanks to its tall ride height and body sides.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to various SUV shoppers. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with two AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a powerful twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, offering a smooth and swift driving experience. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 87 mph, with a seamless transition between gas and electric power.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer retained its powertrain options from the previous year, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Blazer RS and higher trims offered a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 308 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Blazer RS, with its V6 engine, provided impressive acceleration and a sporty exhaust note. However, the Blazer's handling was affected by its considerable weight and top-heavy design, making it less agile than some competitors. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some rivals that automatically switched between FWD and AWD.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The GLE's optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450, suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power sunroof. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added luxury touches like a Burmester audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offered nearly identical front-seat headroom to rivals like the Ford Edge and Honda Passport. While rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, the Blazer excelled in legroom. It provided 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with them folded, trailing behind competitors like the Honda Passport and Nissan Murano. The Blazer's interior felt spacious, with functional details like USB ports and temperature controls integrated into the air vents. Its relatively short overhangs made parking and maneuvering easier.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system offered touch commands, a control pad, and touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation provided clear and convenient directions. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls occasionally caused unintended volume changes.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a user-friendly menu layout. However, the optional 360-degree camera system lacked a dedicated button for easy access. The Blazer's tech presentation was competitive, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. These systems were unobtrusive during everyday driving, providing an extra layer of safety without overreacting to common driving scenarios.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package, which included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control was available on the 2LT and 3LT trims, while other optional features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating from the latter. However, it lacked GM's more advanced Super Cruise system.