2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 touch, 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.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90, on the other hand, showcased an elegant design language, taking cues from the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 models and supersizing them. Stretching over 200 inches, the CX-90 had an imposing presence with its big grille, wide-set front end, and large wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. The interior of the top-shelf models was impressive, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits. The CX-90 offered a range of trims, with the Turbo S model standing out for its performance and luxury.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, 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 producing 603 horsepower. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 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 on the highway at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition from gas to electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains: a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. The Turbo S model featured a 3.3-liter I6 engine producing 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque when using premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, delivering a total output of 323 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The PHEV had an all-electric driving range of 26 miles and an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving. Both CX-90 models handled corners brilliantly, with the Turbo S offering an exceptional exhaust note and the PHEV providing similar handling performance.

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 compared favorably with competitors 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 suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with standard features such as 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 Mazda CX-90 offered various seating configurations, with the lowest-level trims seating eight passengers and mid-level trims featuring captain's chairs. The Turbo S model had a two-seat configuration in the third row, with the base trim seating seven and the Premium and Premium Plus models seating six. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating configuration, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet in models with the two-seater third row. The CX-90 provided plenty of storage options, including a large center console, spacious door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. The interior materials and upholstery were of high quality, and the panoramic sunroof added to the overall comfort.

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 minor annoyances.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90's Mazda Connect infotainment system did not employ a touchscreen interface. Instead, it used hard buttons on the center console and a rotary control knob. While the intention was to reduce distractions, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies could be frustrating. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that used facial recognition to adjust settings automatically. Standard features included Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims. The rotary controller worked with these projection systems, but touchscreen controls were also available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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-90's i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) came standard and included features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, smart brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe-exit warning. The CX-90 also had lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec CX-90 Turbo S Premium Plus included cruising and traffic support, which blended lane-centering with adaptive cruise control. Although the CX-90 had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well based on the safety ratings of the previous CX-9 model.