2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a vehicle that, while not particularly striking in its exterior design, offered a sense of familiarity and continuity with its predecessors. Despite its aggressive front end, the GLE's design seemed to lose momentum past the A-pillar, resulting in a silhouette that was reminiscent of older models. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall aesthetic was overshadowed by competitors like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story, showcasing a luxurious and meticulously crafted space. The red and black interior was both bold and opulent, with high-quality materials and a thoughtful layout. The centre console's twin arching grab handles, outlined with LED lighting, were a testament to the GLE's focus on comfort and style, although some controls, like the gear selector, felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX presented a more modern and refined exterior, with its signature spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The redesign resulted in a longer, wider, and taller vehicle, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior of the NX embraced a minimalist approach, moving away from the cluttered dashboard of its predecessor. The NX's cabin was comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic moonroof enhancing the sense of space. The F Sport trim added sporty elements like bolstered seats and a unique steering wheel, while the ambient lighting system provided a touch of elegance. However, the integration of many functions into the touchscreen could be challenging for drivers to navigate quickly.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of powertrains and advanced suspension systems. The base GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, thanks to an electric supercharger. The GLE's hybrid system, EQ Boost, provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, although it didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE's air suspension systems, including the E-Active Body Control, allowed for exceptional handling and ride quality, making the vehicle feel agile despite its size. All GLE models came with standard 4MATIC AWD, and the vehicle could tow up to 3,500 kg.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including the turbocharged NX 350 with 275 hp and the hybrid NX 350h with 239 hp. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 hp and an estimated 61 km of electric range. The NX's new platform provided a lower centre of gravity and improved handling, with the F Sport trim offering additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension. The NX 350's turbocharged engine was responsive, but not as refined as some German competitors. The NX's AWD system was standard in Canada, and the vehicle's fuel efficiency was commendable, with the NX 350 achieving an estimated 9.5 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The GLE's cargo space was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had less cargo space and a more confined rear passenger area due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's MBUX infotainment system was user-friendly, with a large touchscreen and intuitive controls, although some features required setup before driving.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable cabin with thoughtful touches like padded door panels and a panoramic sunroof. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The NX's new infotainment system featured a large touchscreen and natural voice recognition, but the lack of a tuning knob and the screen's susceptibility to fingerprints were drawbacks. The NX's interior felt cozy, with ambient lighting and quality materials enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was equipped with a plethora of advanced technologies, including a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture control, a head-up display, and a natural voice assistant. The AMG models featured a Track Pace app for performance tracking, and the GLE's infotainment system offered seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle's semi-automated driving features and extensive customization options made it a tech-savvy choice, although the sheer number of features could be overwhelming.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Voice Assistant technology allowed for natural voice commands. The NX's cloud-based services and over-the-air updates kept the system current, while the Mark Levinson sound system provided excellent audio quality. However, the reliance on cloud services could be a limitation in remote areas, and the lack of a tuning knob was a notable omission.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a range of standard and optional safety features. These included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash, and the vehicle's stability control and braking systems enhanced overall safety.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection added to the NX's safety credentials. The Emergency Driving Stop System provided an extra layer of protection, and the NX's blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist further enhanced safety.