2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class showed only subtle aesthetic changes, yet these minor adjustments made a significant impact. The headlights and taillights appeared sharper and accompanied by black fender flares over the wheel arches. The grille enhancements, including chrome inserts, elevated its visual appeal. The optional AMG Line package presented a sportier exterior, featuring a distinctive grille, further enhanced by the availability of 19-inch standard wheels and optional 21-inch options.

For those seeking a sleeker design, the Mercedes-Benz GLE coupe, albeit only available in the sporty Mercedes-AMG version, offered similar features with a slight compromise on interior space. Inside, the cabin embodied the Mercedes-Benz aesthetic with ample leather and soft-touch surfaces. The available open-pore walnut trim stood out, but paired with Bahia Brown seating surfaces, it rendered a cabin reminiscent of a 1970s wood-paneled room, easily avoidable with lighter color leather choices.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, maintained its design consistency from its 2017 debut, albeit with minor updates. The appearance remained modern and appealing, reflecting traditional Mazda styling cues. Our test vehicle came in a new Carbon Turbo trim, flaunting Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts.

Mazda had also improved the fuel economy for base engine versions, eliminated a machined-finish 19-inch wheel design, and integrated wireless charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across several trims. The CX-5 lineup included 2.5 S models and 2.5 Turbo models, each with specific powertrains and price brackets, ranging from $29,300 to $40,600 plus destination charges. These updates and exclusive materials made the 2024 CX-5 a compelling option, exuding an upscale feel at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered a variety of powertrain choices. The entry-level GLE 350 had 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 featured a more robust 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, while the top-tier GLE 580 boasted a compelling 4.0-liter V8. Each of these engines was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Our test model was the new 450e plug-in hybrid, which combined a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine and electric motor to deliver 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. This model managed up to 55 miles on all-electric power and could charge to 100 percent in under three hours with an 11-kW onboard charger, also capable of 60-kW DC fast charging for added convenience.

The Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo showcased varied performance figures tied to the type of fuel used. Using premium gas, it produced 256 hp at 5,000 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm. With regular gas, the figures adjusted to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Despite the impressive numbers, the CX-5 Turbo’s power delivery favored a smoother, more gradual application of pressure on the accelerator rather than a sudden leap. This nuanced driving experience paired well with its recent suspension retuning for an enhanced ride and handling.

However, the CX-5 Turbo’s fuel economy fell short, with a combined EPA rating of 24 mpg and observed 22.9 mpg during testing. The Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus improved cornering and reduced body motions, offering a refined drive whether navigating city streets or winding mountain roads. The inclusion of a Sport mode and an Off-Road mode, coupled with decent ground clearance, allowed for varied driving scenarios, adding to its versatility.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class compensated for any shortfall in driving dynamics with a luxurious interior brimming with features. Standard heated front seats could be upgraded to include ventilation and a massage function. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the premium feel. The cabin remained quiet even on noisy highways, and options like the Burmester stereo system enhanced the commute. The GLE-Class could tow up to 7,700 pounds, benefiting from the new Trailer Maneuvering Assist technology. Cargo space was ample, offering 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded down.

Conversely, the Mazda CX-5’s previous interior updates included redesigned heated front seats that were supportive and comfortable, offering six-way power adjustment for the driver. Leather upholstery was standard except on the base trim, which had artificial leather. Top trims featured premium Nappa leather. The backseat provided good support and comfort, although the CX-5’s interior room was on the smaller side for its segment. Nevertheless, the design quality elevated it significantly, making it comparable to luxury-branded interiors. Cargo space in the CX-5 was about 30 cubic feet behind the rear seat, extending to 59.3 cubic feet when folded down, which was less generous compared to the GLE-Class.

The Mercedes GLE-Class included a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. Unlike its bigger counterparts like the EQS or S-class PHEV, it featured a smaller 12.3-inch touchscreen. The menu structure was user-friendly, supplemented by a touchpad on the center console and smaller touchpads on the steering wheel. Voice control could also be activated by saying, “Hey, Mercedes.” The augmented reality navigation system was particularly noteworthy, overlaying useful directions on a video feed. The off-road page in the MBUX system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and plentiful USB-C ports also added to the tech-savvy experience, despite occasional issues with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Mazda’s approach to infotainment in the CX-5 provided traditional switchgear, minimizing driver distraction. Critics might argue that this conventional setup was at odds with modern norms, but Mazda included a touchscreen setting for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which featured wireless connectivity in higher trims. The 10.25-inch display interacted with Mazda Connect’s menus via a large knob and surrounding buttons for intuitive control. Despite some limitations in conversational voice control, Mazda’s Connected Services offered valuable features like remote engine starting, find-my-car, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and automatic 911 dialing. The 10-speaker Bose premium sound system available in the Carbon Turbo trim further enhanced the premium feel of the CX-5’s interior.

Safety features in the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class were extensive, although many came at an additional cost. Blind-spot monitoring was standard, while the comprehensive Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, lane-change assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE had impressive safety ratings, earning five stars for a side crash and four stars for a rollover from the NHTSA, and top IIHS ratings in several categories.

The Mazda CX-5 equipped every model with crucial advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, traffic sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. The top trim included a driver monitoring system, surround-view camera, and other premium safety features. The NHTSA rated the CX-5 with five stars in most categories except for a four-star rollover resistance rating, reflecting its robust safety profile.