2024 Chevrolet Trax vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class experienced what could best be described as an understated exterior makeover, where the subtle changes were often easy to miss. Miniscule but clever touches like the Mercedes star logos integrated into the front grille were a fresh detail, and upon closer examination, modifications to the headlights and taillights became noticeable. The new GLE sported standard LED headlights with an optional multi-beam LED upgrade for those with a keen interest in advanced lighting.

Finished in a no-cost Twilight Blue metallic, the GLE 450e we tested was coupled with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels—an attractive but slightly costly $1,100 option. Still, these wheels filled the wheel wells perfectly and elevated the SUV's appearance. For those mindful of budget but still looking for aesthetic upgrades, Mercedes offered a selection of 19- and 20-inch alloys as standard, totaling seven wheel designs and ten exterior color choices.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery accented by natural grain brown walnut trim. These added a combined $1,780 to the price tag, yet offered an environment soaked in upscale refinement. Mercedes ensured a variety of choices with ten interior color schemes and five trim options, including brushed aluminum and various wood finishes. The cabin was touted as one of the highest quality spaces in the competitive luxury SUV market.

Conversely, the 2024 Chevrolet Trax got a dramatic redesign almost unrecognizable from its predecessor. Echoing design philosophies from GM's golden era, the Trax adopted a "longer, lower, wider" stance. With an 11-inch increase in length, a six-inch wheelbase stretch, four inches less in height, and two inches more width, it showcased a more dynamic and commanding presence than the prior dowdy model. Styling elements borrowed from the midsize Chevy Blazer—like an expansive grille and distinctive body contours—gave the Trax a standout personality among small vehicles.

Base models sported 17-inch steelies, with higher trims offering 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum wheels. The Trax also had Activ and RS trims for a rugged and sporty appearance, respectively. Inside, the LS featured standard cloth and plastic trimmings but boasted design flourishes that kept it interesting. Slim dashboard designs with a freestanding touchscreen and prominent air vents offered a modern look while retaining functionality.

Higher trims offered Evotex upholstery with color-contrasting stitching and piano-black plastic detailing. The design managed to distinguish itself with clever packaging and functional design components, lending the Trax a genuinely refined feel despite being an entry-level model.

Mercedes-Benz offered a diverse range of powertrains for the 2024 GLE-Class, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets starting at approximately $63,805. Engine options spanned from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a massive twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. This V8 turned the GLE into a high-performance machine, albeit more power than most buyers might require. The GLE 450e was highlighted as a well-rounded choice, blending swift acceleration, smooth handling, and respectable fuel economy.

Our GLE 450e tester combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor to produce 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and excelled in both gas and electric modes, with an estimated 40 miles of electric-only range.

Mercedes designed the GLE with nearly imperceptible transitions between gas and electric power, accompanied by a seamless transmission. The significant complaint involved the regenerative brakes that occasionally felt numb. Otherwise, the GLE performed impressively, maintaining a composed and quiet ride, even on rough roads. Despite its large dimensions, the GLE’s steering felt highly maneuverable.

In contrast, Chevy's 2024 Trax reduced its engine displacement to a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, replacing the old 1.4-liter turbo-four. The new engine delivered 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, down from the previous 155 hp and 177 lb-ft. However, Chevy claimed the new Trax was quicker to 60 mph by about a second. In everyday driving, the three-cylinder provided robust and lag-free acceleration, making highway merging and overtakes stress-free.

Lacking all-wheel drive, the Trax now shared its six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive only. This differentiation from the Trailblazer resulted in a more car-like handling, appealing to those uneasy about the tipsiness associated with taller SUVs. The Trax’s low, planted feel mirrored small hatchbacks rather than crossovers, providing nimble and predictable handling. Nevertheless, it retained the econobox’s limited grip and body roll, though active noise cancellation improved refinement. However, tire noise was prevalent, especially in the 2RS trim.

Interior space was ample and accommodating in the 2024 GLE-Class, comfortably fitting adults in both the first and second rows. The cabin of our GLE 450e, with its light beige upholstery, felt airy and offered excellent outward visibility. Behind the rear seats, the GLE provided 33 cubic feet of cargo space, comparable with the BMW X5 but falling short of three-row rivals like the Cadillac XT6 (43.1 cubic feet) and Volvo XC90 (41.8 cubic feet). Mercedes did offer an optional third row in the GLE 350 and GLE 450, but it was restricted to children due to its size.

Comfort features abounded, with power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and other amenities. Our tester included options like ventilated and massaging front seats, and a Burmester sound system, contributing to a luxurious driving experience.

On the other hand, the 2024 Trax, despite its overall growth, didn't universally translate its increased dimensions to significantly more interior space. The Trax added three inches of rear-seat legroom but lost 0.7 inches of rear headroom and had decreased shoulder room. Nonetheless, the Trax positioned itself well compared to rivals like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue by offering superior rear legroom and a low driving position enhancing visibility.

Cargo capacity in the new Trax reached 25.6 cubic feet with seats up and 54.1 cubic feet with them folded, a notable increase over its predecessor and slightly better than the Kicks, substantially more than the Venue.

Mercedes-Benz equipped the GLE with a pair of 12.3-inch screens, functioning as the digital instrument panel and the central infotainment screen. The MBUX system was feature-rich and required some acclimation, but it allowed control via touch, center console pad, or steering wheel buttons. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improved connectivity, while advanced features like augmented reality navigation stood out for their practicality.

However, an odd placement of a touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel sometimes caused the volume to inadvertently spike. Overall, the tech package delivered a high level of convenience and sophistication.

Chevy significantly upgraded the Trax's infotainment for 2024, with an 8-inch screen on base trims and an 11-inch screen plus an 8-inch digital cluster on higher trims. The touchscreen was driver-focused and intuitive, but less accessible to passengers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless charging on higher trims, modernized the Trax’s tech. The digital instrument cluster was simple yet effective, and the Trax also had multiple USB ports standard across various trims.

The 2024 GLE-Class boasted a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and more. Our tester included the Driver Assistance package, adding further safety measures like active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and evasive steering assist. These systems operated unobtrusively, adding a layer of safety without being intrusive.

The 2024 Trax awaited crash-test ratings but offered a solid list of standard driver-assist features. These included automatic emergency braking, pedestrian braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Options such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist further enhanced safety. Chevy’s Teen Driver system, standard across the range, provided additional features aimed at reinforcing safe driving habits for young drivers.