2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its prestigious brand, did not captivate with its exterior design. It retained a somewhat rushed appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors, with a promising aggressive nose that lost its allure past the A-pillar. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to counteract its minivan-like tendencies, but it struggled to match the aesthetic appeal of competitors like BMW, Audi, and Jaguar. However, the interior was a different story. The redesigned GLE Coupe boasted a streamlined and cohesive look, with an interior that was a masterpiece of quality and design. The red and black interior was both bold and luxurious, featuring materials like wood, metal, leather, and suede. Despite some flimsy controls, the GLE exuded a sense of opulence, though it required significant options to truly feel luxurious.

In contrast, the 2021 Acura RDX, especially in the A-Spec trim, presented a sporty and attractive exterior without overdoing traditional performance cues. It avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a design meant for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim added subtle yet effective styling changes, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the RDX A-Spec offered a sporty look and feel, with quality materials and a unique cabin design. The interior featured sport seats with simulated suede inserts, a sport steering wheel, and red ambient lighting, creating a dynamic atmosphere. However, the gauge cluster's red markings on a brushed silver background were difficult to read, except at night. Despite this, the RDX's interior was a departure from typical compact SUV cabins, offering a unique and engaging experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled as a versatile vehicle, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 and AMG models boasted air suspensions with adaptive dampers and self-leveling capabilities. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe introduced an electric supercharger for instant throttle response, though it wasn't as exhilarating as expected. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, though it didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE 350 delivered 255 hp, while the GLE 450 offered 362 hp, and the AMG GLE 53 reached 429 hp. The AMG GLE 63 S topped the range with a 450 hp V8. All GLE models featured 4MATIC AWD and impressive towing capacity, with exceptional ride quality and steering.

The 2021 Acura RDX, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 272 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and the SH-AWD system, enhancing handling and driving enjoyment. The Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between various driving modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. A-Spec models had exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, though adaptive dampers were not available. The RDX's handling was predictable and precise, with fade-resistant brakes and communicative steering. While the RDX lacked some performance features, it remained rewarding to drive, with a broad torque curve and engaging driving dynamics.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious interiors, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row for seven. The Coupe body style seated five, though the middle seat was less comfortable. Cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe had 655 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with seats down. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability, featuring a touchpad and simplified interface. Seat controls and driving mode shortcuts were user-friendly, though 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, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. A-Spec and Platinum Elite trims added ventilation. Rear-seat comfort was compromised by a low and flat cushion, affecting leg support. Cargo space was competitive, with 835 litres behind the rear seat and 1,668 litres with seats folded. The trunk featured a deep storage well and additional compartments under the cargo floor. Acura quoted a maximum cargo volume of 2,260 litres, though this measurement was based on unconventional loading methods.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Interior Assistant, allowing gesture control for shortcuts. The system was user-friendly, with search bars and larger type for easy navigation. AMG models included a Track Pace app for racing enthusiasts. The GLE offered advanced features like Seat Kinetics, ambient lighting with 64 colours, and a natural voice assistant. The navigation system projected camera feeds with overlays for directions. The GLE's infotainment system was overengineered yet well-executed, offering a wealth of electronic features.

The 2021 Acura RDX introduced the True Touchpad Interface, a touch-sensing pad on the centre console. While an improvement over Lexus's approach, it required retraining to use effectively. The system mirrored the screen, reducing distraction, but still required confirmation of actions. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with available navigation. The A-Spec trim featured a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. Despite its quirks, the RDX's infotainment system offered a unique user experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured advanced safety and driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The GLE offered optional features like Pre-Safe Impulse Side and semi-automated control, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Acura RDX came equipped with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a 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.