2023 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe presented a design that was neither offensive nor groundbreaking, with its Selenite Gray paint and 22-inch forged aluminum wheels giving it a somewhat athletic appearance reminiscent of a sneaker. Despite the absence of the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe variant, the AMG GLE 53 Coupe maintained a luxurious interior with high-end materials, including Nappa premium leather and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech feel, although the lack of traditional controls required some acclimatization for new users.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to impress with its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it a luxury feel. The CX-5 offered a choice between a standard 187-horsepower engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged option, with the latter providing a more exhilarating driving experience. The CX-5's interior, especially in the Signature trim, featured premium Nappa leather and a range of comfort features, although it fell short in terms of technology and space compared to some competitors.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, delivering 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The EQ Boost system added extra power when needed, contributing to a fuel consumption of 12.7 L/100 km. The AMG GLE 53 Coupe featured a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system, offering various driving modes and an optional AMG sport exhaust system. The adaptive damping control air suspension and AMG Active Ride Control suspension enhanced performance, making the GLE Coupe feel nimble and composed in urban settings and on highways.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, achieving a fuel economy of 9.0 L/100 km. The 2.5 Turbo variant, with its 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, provided a more thrilling drive, especially when using premium fuel. The CX-5's updates in structural rigidity, suspension dampening, and AWD system contributed to a more refined driving experience. The turbocharged engine delivered a smooth acceleration, although fuel consumption increased to 11.0 L/100 km during more spirited driving.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe offered seating for up to five, though it was more comfortable for four adults. The front seats featured numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the back seat provided ample legroom. The cargo space measured 655 litres, expanding to 1,790 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort features included heated and ventilated seats, a four-zone climate control system, and an in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, with its updated front seats, provided improved comfort and support. The Signature trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas and a cramped rear seat. The cargo area offered 871 litres of space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded, which was less than some competitors but more than several luxury models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, offering navigation, satellite radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with natural voice recognition technology activated by saying "Hey Mercedes." Optional features included a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and a Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, with its 10.25-inch display, was visually appealing but functionally frustrating. The lack of a voice recognition system and the awkward physical controls made it challenging to use. Despite these issues, the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a three-year trial of Mazda Connected Services. Upper trims featured a 10-speaker Bose audio system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Intelligent Drive Package added 13 driver assistance systems, such as Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist. While crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with the i-Activsense suite offering most driver assistance technologies as standard. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS, although it lacked a warning system for driving without headlights at night.