Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of ten versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the base model was the GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e model, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with standard AWD, except for the base GLE 350, and included the Exclusive Package and the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, priced at $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather, and the Driver Assistance Package. Despite the Moonlight White Magno paint highlighting the GLE's styling, the interior was elegantly detailed with quality materials, featuring matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The climate controls were wisely separated from the touchscreen, and while the touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel worked well, the volume thumbwheel on the center console was preferred.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available in various trims, with the TX 350 offering Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusive to the top Luxury trim. For 2026, the 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and the new Matador Red Mica paint. Most models had 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The grille retained the spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. The interior offered two color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. Ambient lighting and suede trim enhanced the cabin, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles were a novelty, but more attention to cabin detail was desired. The TX's interior was spacious, with a third row offering ample room for adults, and the second row featured captain's chairs with a removable console. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were mostly on-screen, with physical dials for temperature. The cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded.

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, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual driving modes. The GLE 450 was capable of off-roading and towing up to 7,700 pounds. It included Downhill Speed Regulation, an off-road data panel, and a "transparent hood" camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, making it less enjoyable on mountain roads. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode, but remained uninterested in anything but straight-line travel. The sport braking system resisted fade during spirited driving but felt grabby in stop-and-go traffic. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission was slow to downshift. Despite these issues, the GLE was a comfortable long-distance cruiser, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The seven-kilowatt charger took under three hours to fully charge the battery at home. The TX offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. Sport mode increased throttle sensitivity, but the TX 550h+ wasn't designed for sporty handling. The ride was smooth and quiet, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension absorbed bumps well, and the brakes were firm and linear. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for slippery surfaces.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats, and the Manufaktur Edition included Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with a large spare tire and hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The second row featured captain's chairs with a removable console, while the third row was spacious with a recline function and USB-C ports. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, but folding the second row flat was complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were mostly on-screen, with physical dials for temperature. The cargo space was generous, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. The TX could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The displays offered lush graphics and minimal reflections, with a biometric authentication system and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen with quick response times, but some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled volume and adaptive cruise control but were multi-functional and unlabeled. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but sometimes conflicted with the native audio system. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX had seven USB ports, wireless charging, and a 120-volt/1500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, evasive steering assist, and more. The GLE featured Active Emergency Stop Assist and a touch-sensing steering wheel rim. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was problematic, and the automated lane-change assist was inconsistent. The GLE was named a "Top Safety Pick+" by the IIHS for 2025, but its front-crash prevention tech earned low ratings.

The 2026 Lexus TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, Lane Tracing Assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed. The NHTSA hadn't rated the 550h+, but the TX 350 and 500h earned five stars. The IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" score for the passenger's side.