2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance. 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 variety of choices for both exterior and interior customization, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos, designed for appeal and affordability, was a popular choice in North America. In its inaugural year of 2022, the Taos became Volkswagen’s third-best selling model in the U.S., surpassing the Jetta. The 2023 Taos ranged in price from $24,155 to $34,535, with our test vehicle in SEL trim priced at $35,830. The Taos SEL featured bold 19-inch alloy wheels, Cornflower Blue paint, and a stylish, sporty appearance. Inside, the Taos SEL resembled a cut-rate Audi with its light gray seat and dashboard accents, gloss black trim, metallic detailing, and leather seats. The Taos offered impressive interior space, nearly matching the larger Tiguan model, making it one of the roomiest small crossover SUVs available.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. Engine options ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. Our GLE 450e tester featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and offered an estimated electric-only range of 40 miles. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE 450e’s sophisticated steering made it easy to maneuver despite its size, and the overall performance exceeded expectations.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for FWD models and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for AWD models. The Taos offered up to five driving modes and four additional settings for the 4Motion AWD system. However, the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and delays in response. The dual-clutch transmission exhibited halting behavior, making smooth driving a challenge. During testing, the Taos SEL averaged 26.8 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 28 mpg. The Taos SEL demonstrated a Germanic driving character with firm, sure-footed handling and excellent visibility. However, the engine’s lack of power was noticeable, especially compared to competitors with more powerful engines. The brake pedal feel was inconsistent, and the Taos suffered from wind and road noise at highway speeds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space and comfort for adults in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e’s light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, and outward visibility was excellent. The GLE 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 optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was 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. Additional options included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered different upholstery options depending on the trim level, with cloth seats in the S trim, CloudTex artificial leather in the SE trim, and real leather in the SEL trim. The SE and SEL trims included cold-weather equipment such as heated side mirrors and heated front seats. The SEL trim also featured rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The Taos provided impressive rear-seat room and comfort, with plenty of legroom, air conditioning vents, and a panoramic sunroof in the SEL trim. The cargo area offered 27.9 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and 65.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down, slightly less with the 4Motion AWD system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. 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 were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be accidentally activated, causing issues like sudden volume changes.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with an eight-inch screen for the S and SE trims and a 10.25-inch display for the SEL trim. The infotainment system varied by trim level, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen in the S trim and an eight-inch touchscreen in the SE and SEL trims. The SE and SEL trims also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless smartphone charging. The SEL trim featured a native navigation system, an eight-speaker Beats Audio premium sound system, and additional connected services. However, the user experience was hindered by hidden virtual controls, a complicated radio tuning process, and ineffective voice-recognition technology.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, with the Taos S now including forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Taos SE added the IQ.Drive collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and emergency assist. The Taos also featured a post-collision automatic braking system, automatic high-beam headlights, parking sensors with automatic braking, and a road-sign recognition system. The Travel Assist system performed well during testing, providing smooth and accurate assistance.