2024 Acura MDX vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that was easy to miss even for trained eyes. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever touch, and changes to the headlights and taillights were more noticeable when compared side-by-side with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights added to its appeal. The GLE 450e we tested, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, looked particularly handsome. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Acura MDX impressed with its modern and refined exterior, featuring a large shield grille, rakish headlights, and intake vents. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but busy, with a bevy of controls on the center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX was available in several trims, including the Technology Package, A-Spec Package, and Advance Package. The Type-S and Type-S Advance trims added features like a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The MDX's cabin was comfortable, with perforated leather upholstery and a sportier personality in the A-Spec trim. However, the MDX's interior, while luxurious, did not quite match the opulence of the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

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. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S featured a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower, delivering sports car-like speed. The GLE 450e, with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, produced a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, and it could operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S trim featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX Type-S Advance offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with Brembo performance brakes and an adaptive air suspension. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed for various driving modes, including Sport, Comfort, and Lift mode for added ground clearance. The MDX's steering was responsive, and it had a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

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, which was competitive with rivals like the BMW X5 but fell short of the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was best suited 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 2024 Acura MDX featured three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive. The third row was smaller and best suited for children. The MDX offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The MDX came standard with a power liftgate, and the Advance Package included a hands-free power liftgate. The second-row bench had a fold-down center console with integrated cupholders, and the center stack of controls, while busy, provided ample storage space.

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 overly sensitive, leading to accidental volume changes.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its Achilles Heel. The 12.3-inch display atop the dash was not a touchscreen and was controlled via a touchpad below the shifter, which was unintuitive. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX also featured multiple USB ports, a fully digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging. The placement of charging ports in the center console was clever, but the overall infotainment system was a drawback compared to competitors like the Genesis GV80.

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 2024 Acura MDX included a suite of high-tech driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Technology Package added front and rear parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Advance package included a 360-degree parking camera system and a head-up display. The 2024 MDX had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2022 model received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.