Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a significant redesign, presenting a striking exterior that drew inspiration from classic Land Rover models. Its boxy shape, LED headlights, and a well-proportioned grille contributed to its robust and appealing look. The Overtrail+ model, with its 33-inch tires and matte grey wheels, further enhanced its rugged aesthetic. Inside, the GX maintained a luxurious atmosphere with high-quality switchgear and chic design elements. The spacious cabin offered ample headroom and comfortable seating, featuring NuLuxe faux leather with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Visibility was excellent, thanks to tall windows and an elevated ride height.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a more understated exterior design, with the standard GLE body style lacking the dramatic appeal of its Coupe counterpart. The Manufaktur Edition Package added exclusive paint and 21-inch wheels, but the overall styling remained conservative. Inside, the GLE excelled with its elegant cabin, featuring matte-finish wood, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The steering wheel was well-crafted, and the separation of climate controls from the touchscreen was a thoughtful touch. However, the GLE's interior was not without its quirks, such as the low seating position in the back seat, which compromised passenger comfort.

The 2025 Lexus GX was powered by a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, allowing the GX to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Despite its hefty 5,666-pound curb weight, the GX felt agile and responsive, with impressive off-road capabilities. However, its fuel economy was less than stellar, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The GX's adaptive dampers and all-terrain tires contributed to a comfortable ride, although the rear axle exhibited some jiggliness.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE's towing capacity was an impressive 7,700 pounds, but its standard suspension left much to be desired. The ride was too soft in the city and unsettled on mountain roads, with excessive body motion. The steering lacked feedback, and the brakes were grabby in typical driving situations. Despite these shortcomings, the GLE achieved a respectable 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Lexus GX provided a spacious interior, accommodating tall passengers with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and 43 inches in the back. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX's cargo space was a standout feature, offering up to 90.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. Its towing capacity of 9,063 pounds made it a versatile choice for adventurers. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, thanks to its manageable dimensions.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding versatility to the GLE's interior. The cargo area provided 33.3 cubic feet of space behind the back seat, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions and a power rear liftgate added convenience to the GLE's design.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided good sound quality, although it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX's tech package included multiple USB-C ports and a spacious armrest storage compartment.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics and a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The GLE's tech package was comprehensive, but the voice assistant had occasional issues with specific requests.

The 2025 Lexus GX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, and more. The system operated smoothly and was not intrusive during testing. The GX also featured a 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras for enhanced visibility. While it had not been rated by safety organizations, it included 10 airbags for occupant protection.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and more. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and other advanced features. However, some driver aids, such as the route-based speed-adjustment feature, were problematic. The GLE had not been rated by the NHTSA, but it received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS.