2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Lexus GX

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough that they might have gone unnoticed by many. Up close, the new Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance and sportiness to its appearance.

Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. The interior offered a variety of choices, including 10 interior color options and five trim materials, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin. The GLE's interior was one of the most luxurious in its segment, providing a comfortable and stylish environment for its occupants.

The 2024 Lexus GX, on the other hand, showcased a dramatic departure from its predecessor with a more geometric and aggressive design. The new front end featured a less pronounced spindle grille, flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's flat hood and squared-off front fascia gave it a more assertive look, while the side profile appeared as if it were carved from a solid metal block. The lower window beltline and standard running boards enhanced visibility and off-road capability.

Inside, the GX's interior was minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons and a focus on essential controls. The first and second rows provided ample space for six-foot-tall adults, while the third row was best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 90.5 cubic feet in Overtrail models. The interior blended luxury appointments with utilitarian materials, making it a premium SUV prepared for rugged use.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with two additional AMG models, the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and electric motor, delivered a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

The GLE 450e's electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, and it could operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the nine-speed automatic transmission provided smooth gear changes. The GLE's suspension absorbed bumps and ruts effortlessly, and its sophisticated steering made it feel maneuverable despite its size. The GLE 450e's performance exceeded expectations, offering a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Lexus GX, meanwhile, replaced its V8 engine with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GX's powertrain provided impressive torque at low revs, making it capable of clearing obstacles off-road. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis, enhancing stability on-road and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and the standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured excellent traction.

The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which improved wheel articulation and off-road stability. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll. Despite its weight, the GX's off-road capabilities and controlled on-road behavior made it a versatile and capable SUV.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin thanks to its light beige upholstery. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which compared favorably with competitors like the BMW X5 but fell short of the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was best suited for young children.

The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power tilt/sliding sunroof. The Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels added features like a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. Additional options included a panoramic sunroof, illuminated running boards, and heated rear seats, enhancing the GLE's luxury and convenience.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with essential physical buttons retained for climate control and off-roading features. The first and second rows provided ample space for adults, while the third row was tight and best suited for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded and up to 90.5 cubic feet in Overtrail models.

The GX's interior blended luxury appointments with utilitarian materials, making it a premium SUV prepared for rugged use. The available third row in Premium and Luxury models was tight for adults, but the GX's cargo space was impressive, making it a practical choice for those needing ample storage.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system.

The head-up instrument display and augmented reality navigation provided clear and convenient directions. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, causing unintended volume changes. Overall, the MBUX system was feature-rich and required a learning curve but offered a high level of functionality.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen integrated into the center of the dash, with USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad for front-seat passengers. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with the Drive Connect subscription service, which included an intelligent voice assistant. The GX also came with a 10-speaker audio system, with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available on higher trims.

The Lexus Interface was user-friendly and visually impressive, but some features were locked behind subscription plans after an initial three-year trial. This could be a consideration for long-term owners who may need to factor in subscription costs.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Driver Assistance package added active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist, enhancing the GLE's safety.

The 2024 Lexus GX received a significant upgrade in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Standard features included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and proactive driving assist. While the GX had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the new GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS provided confidence in its safety.