2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minor, with the most noticeable updates being the clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e model, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, stood out for its handsome appearance. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of choices for both exterior and interior customization, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape adopted a more European design language, moving away from its previous blocky exterior. The refreshed model featured a traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford blue oval logo. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, sported 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked appealing but felt hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided excellent ergonomics. The Escape's interior was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy, but the overall design was practical and durable.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various preferences, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S, for those seeking high performance. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, providing a swift and smooth 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 suspension was supple, and the steering was sophisticated, making it easy to maneuver despite its size.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be paired with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively available with all-wheel drive. While the Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, it lacked the performance tuning of a genuine performance crossover. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating for five and a light, airy cabin. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5. While the GLE had an optional third-row seat, it was only suitable 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. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The front-door armrests were well-positioned, and the head-up display was easy to adjust. The Escape's cargo space, with up to 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded, was adequate for daily use but fell short of some competitors. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than rivals, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for tall passengers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens. The system was user-friendly, though it required some time to master its features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 infotainment system. Lower trims had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims like the ST-Line Elite featured a 13.2-inch screen. Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. The system was intuitive, though it could be slow to respond at times. The volume knob's placement was inconvenient, but overall, the technology package was impressive.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. These systems were unobtrusive and reliable during everyday driving.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, which included features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, enhancing the driving experience.