2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent 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, 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 exuded luxury, featuring Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim, offering a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, remained a stylish and high-quality choice in the compact crossover SUV segment. It offered a luxurious feel with its premium materials, making it resemble a small luxury SUV. The CX-5 was available with a turbocharged engine that provided impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model was redesigned and renamed as the CX-50, but the CX-5 continued to offer quality, refinement, and sophistication across its lineup, making it a compelling option for those seeking a stylish and well-built vehicle.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, with prices starting at approximately $63,805. 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 top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S featured a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 horsepower, delivering sports car-like speed. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, generated a combined output of 381 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth transition between gas and electric power, with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an estimated electric-only range of 40 miles. The GLE 450e excelled in performance, providing a quiet and comfortable ride with its sophisticated suspension and steering.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided a rewarding driving experience, with improved structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and reduced interior noise. The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced, offering a firm and connected ride quality. The turbocharged engine delivered quick acceleration, and the six-speed automatic transmission provided snappy shifting. The CX-5 was a delight to drive on various road surfaces, offering a sporty driving experience with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. It offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. The GLE's optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 models, 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 liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support. It offered a range of features, including power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Signature trim included Nappa leather upholstery, adding a touch of luxury. However, the CX-5's technology, storage space, rear-seat room, and cargo space were less impressive. It provided 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The CX-5's infotainment system lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and its physical controls were somewhat awkward to use.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system offered touch commands, a control pad, and touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel occasionally caused the music volume to increase unexpectedly.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics and a logical menu structure. However, it lacked a helpful voice recognition system, and its physical controls on the center console were awkward to use. The system required memorization and conscious thought to operate, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. The user experience was often frustrating, with the control knob requiring multiple twists and pushes to execute commands. Despite these challenges, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system.

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 features operated unobtrusively during everyday driving, providing an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a range of driver assistance technologies under the i-Activsense banner. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The 2.5 Turbo Signature trim added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 performed exceptionally well in crash tests, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning message for driving without headlights at night, which was a concern.