2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the 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 featured LED headlights as standard, with optional multi-beam LED headlights. The vehicle's Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels added a touch of elegance, though the wheels came at an additional cost of $1,100. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim, adding $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the price.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 had a more dramatic design with excessive charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body, which some found excessive. However, the overall design was appealing, featuring short overhangs, a long hood, sculpted flanks, and a rakish roofline. The interior of the CX-30 felt a class above, with style and refinement on par with entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were well-designed. Our test car, the 2.5 Carbon Turbo trim, featured an exclusive Zircon Sand paint over Terracotta and Black interior upholstery, with an MSRP of $34,210, including destination.

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, along with AMG models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines 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 combined with an electric motor, delivering 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels, and the GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque (227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas). The power delivery was smooth, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly. The CX-30's AWD system provided excellent traction. However, fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an observed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route, compared to the EPA's 25 mpg combined estimate. The CX-30's small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range to around 270 miles. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, with nimble handling and excellent visibility. It tackled back roads with enthusiasm and competence, thanks to its standard AWD and Off-Road traction assist setting.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e provided 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. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior featured quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was user-friendly, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to operate. The cabin had gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a splash of color. However, the interior space was cramped, especially in the back seat. The driver and front passenger seats were comfortable and heated, with easy ingress and egress. The cargo volume was 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, offering practical but limited 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, causing occasional issues.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models received a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen was located far from the driver and front passenger, making it less convenient. Mazda's system relied on a combination of steering wheel, center console, and voice controls, but the voice recognition system was not as intuitive. All CX-30s included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and a three-month trial of in-vehicle Wi-Fi. New USB-C ports and a wireless smartphone charger were available in higher trims, along with 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, 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 Mazda CX-30 added new standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a rear-seat alert system. These joined existing features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and a Cruising and Traffic Support system. The CX-30 earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA in most assessments and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.