2025 Lexus GX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its recent facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights that gave it a wide stance. The side glass tapered sharply inward, creating a unique silhouette. However, the proportions appeared somewhat odd, especially on the GLE Coupe models, where the bulky lower body contrasted with the fastback-style roofline. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, the GLE's styling adhered closely to the brand's identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz. The 2025 model introduced new paint colors and interior options, allowing buyers to personalize their GLE further. The interior, with its Yacht Blue option, exuded luxury, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, chunky air vents, and a Burmester audio system, creating an upscale and special ambiance.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign for the 2024 model year, resulting in a strikingly different appearance from its predecessor. The new GX boasted a boxy, old-school Land Rover-inspired shape, with a brawny front fascia accented by LED headlights and a large grille. The geometric design elements complemented the GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle's rugged features, including 33-inch tires, matte grey wheels, and rock rails. Inside, the GX offered a clean and elegant interior with a strong sense of luxury. The switchgear had a quality feel, and the dashboard and center console design was chic. The front and rear seats provided ample headroom, and the seats themselves featured stitched black and tan faux leather with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Overall visibility was excellent, thanks to the tall windows and elevated ride height, making the GX a comfortable and luxurious choice.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG performance models. The lineup began with the GLE 350, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It came with a nine-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering an EPA-rated 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively, with the latter achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, even in AMG spec, and maneuvering in tight spaces proved challenging.

The 2025 Lexus GX, on the other hand, featured a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The GX's performance was notably improved over its predecessor, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, a full second faster than the previous V8-powered model. The GX excelled in highway merges and offered a smooth ride, although the transmission occasionally hesitated. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 14.9 mpg. Despite its weight, the GX's chassis and adaptive dampers provided a surprisingly athletic feel, and its off-road capabilities were impressive. The GX's off-road prowess was further enhanced by features like a locking rear differential, crawl control, and downhill assist, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not provide specifications for third-row space. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom in the front seats, although rivals like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80 had slightly more legroom. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, but outward visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom comparable to the BMW X5 and additional legroom compared to the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2025 Lexus GX, on the other hand, offered generous interior dimensions, making it suitable for tall passengers. Depending on sunroof options, headroom ranged from 39 to 41 inches in the front and around 43 inches in the back. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row, with ample shoulder room. The GX's cargo space was a standout feature, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row stowed, and 76.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Overtrail trim, without a third row, offered a massive 90.5 cubic feet of space. The GX's towing capacity was an impressive 9,063 pounds. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a dual 12.3-inch screen setup, creating the impression of a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad, steering-wheel touchpads, and voice recognition, were available, although they could be confusing. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Some GLE models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with seamless pairing. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good audio quality, although highway noise required higher volume levels. The GX offered multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with ample storage space in the armrest.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a range of driver-assist features, although some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ trim included pedestrian detection. The GX's safety features were user-friendly and not intrusive. It also had a 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing but featured 10 airbags for occupant protection.