2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was an adequate-looking vehicle, though it didn't quite match the aesthetic appeal of its competitors. The exterior design, while promising with its aggressive nose and sloping hood, fell short past the A-pillar, making it almost indistinguishable from older models. Despite efforts to overcome its minivan tendencies with flat taillights and a contoured rear, the GLE struggled to match the pitch-perfect proportions of rivals like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. Even in AMG trim, the GLE's appearance was overshadowed by competitors such as the BMW X5 M and Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

However, Mercedes made significant improvements to the GLE's interior, especially in the redesigned GLE Coupe. The interior was a masterpiece of quality, layout, colors, and textures, featuring a striking red and black design. The twin arching grab handles on the center console, outlined with LED lighting, highlighted the GLE's luxurious intent. The materials used, including wood, metal, leather, and suede, were delightful to touch and operate, although the gear selector and turn signal stalks felt flimsy. Overall, the GLE's interior exuded a sense of pampering, but it required high-end options to truly feel luxurious.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV. Its styling changes were subtle yet effective, conveying sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on its daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added sporty elements without going overboard, making the RDX a visually appealing choice.

The RDX A-Spec sat in the middle of the trim-level hierarchy, with base prices starting at $38,200 and going up to $47,625 with the A-Spec Package and additional options. The interior of the A-Spec featured front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, dark brushed aluminum trim, and red ambient lighting. The sporty look and feel extended to the quality materials and thick-rimmed steering wheel, although the gauge cluster with red markings on a brushed silver background was hard to read. Despite some minor complaints, the RDX A-Spec's interior delivered a sporty and comfortable experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a multi-purpose vehicle with a complex suspension and engine setup. The GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup for reliability and comfort, while the GLE 450 offered self-leveling air springs with adaptive dampers. The AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control systems provided advanced handling capabilities, including the ability to lean into turns and bounce the vehicle to free it from sand. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, while the GLE 580 and AMG GLE 63 S offered powerful twin-turbo engines.

The GLE's hybrid system, except for the base GLE 350, provided additional horsepower and torque, seamless auto stop-start, and energy to power accessories. Fuel efficiency varied, with the GLE 450 returning 21/26/23 mpg and the GLE 350 4Matic achieving 19/26/22 mpg. The GLE 350 had 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 offered 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 had 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, the GLE 580 had 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, and the GLE 63 S boasted 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. The GLE's driving experience was exceptional, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and impressive ride quality and steering.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive was standard, with the SH-AWD system available for improved handling. The SH-AWD system could deliver up to 70% of engine output to the rear wheels and 100% of that to either rear wheel, enhancing the RDX's driving dynamics.

The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ driving modes, adjusting powertrain response, steering effort, and suspension firmness. The A-Spec models featured exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels with performance all-season tires, although the lack of adaptive dampers resulted in some body motion on uneven roads. The RDX A-Spec was rewarding to drive, with precise steering, fade-resistant brakes, and an engaging engine note in Sport+ mode. Despite some minor drawbacks, the RDX A-Spec delivered a fun and dynamic driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered roomy two-row seating, with an optional third row for seven-passenger capacity. Second-row passengers enjoyed power controls for recline and fore-aft adjustments, while the third row was accessible via sliding and folding seats. The GLE Coupe, however, was limited to five passengers, with a sloping roofline and narrow rear doors. Cargo capacity was 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded, while the Coupe offered 23 and 61 cubic feet, respectively. The new MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and simplified interface, although some controls required setup before driving.

The 2021 Acura RDX, despite being a compact SUV, offered remarkable passenger and cargo space. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. Rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support and an uncomfortable recline angle. Storage space was limited, with a large but hard-to-access tray under the center console. Cargo volume measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded, with additional storage compartments under the cargo floor. The RDX's packaging made it an extraordinary value, despite some compromises in rear-seat comfort and storage.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing for hand gesture controls. The system included a touchpad, thumbpad, and simplified interface with search bars and larger type. The AMG models had a Track Pace app for virtual pit crew functions and GPS lap timing. The GLE offered numerous luxury features, including seat kinetics, perfume canisters, heated armrests, and automatic bolsters. The head-up display and instrument panel were customizable, with sharp and crisp displays. The ambient lighting had 64 colors, and the navigation system projected front camera feed with overlays. The GLE also included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a natural voice assistant.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console. The TTI mirrored the screen, allowing for intuitive control once users adapted to the system. However, it still required drivers to look at the screen and confirm actions, leading to potential distractions. The RDX included physical knobs and buttons for stereo and climate controls, smartphone projection, and integrated voice-recognition technology. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite some challenges with the TTI, the RDX offered a comprehensive and user-friendly technology package.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top ratings in six crash tests, headlights, and standard forward emergency braking. The NHTSA had not rated the GLE. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a driver attention monitor, while optional features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, front cross-traffic braking, and semi-automated control. The GLE also featured Pre-Safe Sound, which played "pink noise" to reduce hearing damage in a crash, and Pre-Safe Impulse Side, which inflated side bolsters to better position occupants in a side impact.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX's AcuraWatch was not as comprehensive as the TLX sedan's package, lacking pedestrian detection, traffic-sign recognition, and Traffic Jam Assist. Despite this, the RDX's safety systems were smooth and accurate, making them more likely to be used. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.