2021 Acura RDX vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE presented a smoother and less sculpted appearance compared to its predecessors. The softened lines and reduced edges contributed to a lower drag coefficient, making it a class leader in aerodynamics. The front end saw the most significant transformation, giving the vehicle a handsome yet unoffensive look. Inside, the GLE offered extra headroom and legroom due to a 3.1-inch wheelbase extension, and for the first time, an optional third row was available. However, the $720 Emerald Green Metallic paint on the test model showed a surprising amount of orange-peel effect, which was disappointing for a premium vehicle.

The GLE 350 started at $53,700, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Adding the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system cost an additional $2,500. The test model included numerous options, such as black leather upholstery, a cabin air purifier, and fragrance system, multi-contour front seats with a massage feature, and a Burmester stereo. Despite the extensive list of features, some options like heated and cooled cupholders and soft-close doors seemed excessive. The total price of the test model reached $78,370, including a $995 Delivery & Destination fee.

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the optional A-Spec Package, was a good-looking SUV with subtle yet effective styling changes that conveyed sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided making the RDX look like an off-roader, focusing instead on daily driving and road-tripping capabilities. The A-Spec Package added front sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, dark brushed aluminum trim, and red ambient cabin lighting, among other features. The base price for the RDX started at $38,200, with the A-Spec Package bringing it to $44,100. The test model, equipped with SH-AWD and extra-cost Platinum White paint, totaled $47,625, including a $1,025 destination charge.

The RDX's interior delivered a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were hard to read, except at night. The True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system was a point of contention, as it required a learning curve and could be distracting. Despite this, the A-Spec's 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system sounded terrific.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. While the engine provided ample power at speed, it felt sluggish from a stop due to turbo lag and the vehicle's nearly 5,000-pound weight. The 9-speed automatic transmission was decent but not as smooth as the 8-speed in the BMW X5. The GLE 350's fuel economy was impressive, with 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined, but the X5 offered better performance with its standard turbocharged inline-6 engine.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 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 an additional cost. The SH-AWD system improved handling, making the RDX fun to drive. 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, enhancing handling.

While the RDX A-Spec lacked adaptive dampers, it still offered rewarding driving dynamics, thanks to the turbo engine's broad torque curve, precise steering, and fade-resistant brakes. The Sport+ mode added a more aggressive engine sound, enhancing the driving experience. Acura was preparing new Type S performance variants, and the RDX deserved the same treatment.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE's extended wheelbase provided significant interior space, especially in the second row. Depending on the options, the GLE offered between 33.3 and 39.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, with a total of 79.4 cubic feet available with the seats lowered. The interior featured dual 12.3-inch screens, setting a new standard for dash design and customizability. The seats were comfortable, with a "Seat Kinetics" system to prevent cramping, though the lumbar support was challenging to adjust. The steering wheel felt great but often blocked part of the screen. The upgraded Burmester stereo provided excellent sound, but the bass caused vibrations through the brake pedal.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered remarkable passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. The front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, the rear seats lacked leg support and had too much recline angle, making them uncomfortable for long journeys. The cargo area measured 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat, with a deep storage well and three separate compartments under the cargo floor. Folding the rear seats provided 58.9 cubic feet of cargo space, competitive but not class-leading. Acura also quoted a maximum value of 79.8 cubic feet, though this measurement was based on moving the front seats all the way forward.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which was both deep and daunting at first glance. The system included two giant 12.3-inch screens and a head-up display (HUD), offering options like augmented reality for directions and traffic signals. The natural voice control system was less effective in the GLE compared to the A-Class, but the steering-wheel controls were intuitive once you got used to them. The driver-assistance tech was better than BMW's, though it still had issues at high speeds, often bouncing around the lane and getting confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad on the center console instead of a touchscreen. The TTI mirrored the screen, making it easier to use once you retrained your brain. However, it still required looking at the screen to confirm actions, adding distraction. The A-Spec trim included a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, which sounded terrific. Acura also offered Key by Amazon In-Car Delivery and integrated voice-recognition technology, though the TTI system remained a point of contention.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE had no current testing data from the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered an impressive suite of autonomous safety systems. Features like Attention Assist monitored eye contact and head position to anticipate drowsiness, while Seat Kinetics adjusted seating position to prevent cramping. However, the adaptive cruise control, auto braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist systems were less effective at high speeds, often causing the car to bounce around the lane and get confused by shadows or unexpected lines.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a collection 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 earned a 2020 "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.