2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated appearance in its base GLS 450 form, avoiding the flashy chrome embellishments seen in competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes opted for a more refined grille design, steering clear of the bold protrusions found on the BMW X7 and Lexus LX. For those seeking a more dramatic look, the AMG GLS 63 model offered flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and prominent exhaust tips, while the Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents and a traditional hood ornament. Inside, the GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its impending phase-out, remained a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV segment. It was praised for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the feel of a small luxury SUV. The available turbocharged engine provided impressive power, and the CX-5 boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. The model's transition to the CX-50 was part of Mazda's broader marketing strategy, similar to Infiniti's renaming of the G37. The CX-5's appeal extended across its lineup, offering quality and sophistication regardless of the chosen variant. The 2.5 Turbo Signature model, with its premium Nappa leather and advanced features, exemplified the CX-5's luxury aspirations.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, supported by the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor providing an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's inline-six engine offered a smoother performance compared to the more common V6 engines, making it well-suited for a luxury vehicle. However, the air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was slightly less than some competitors like the Lexus LX and Lincoln Navigator.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbo engine, when using premium fuel, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. The CX-5's turbo engine enhancements, along with structural and suspension improvements, contributed to a more refined driving experience. The CX-5 excelled on winding roads, offering a firm and connected ride quality. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations during testing, with a combined consumption of 11.0 L/100 km.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a seven-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the bench with captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, providing ample legroom. The GLS boasted 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. Despite its spaciousness, the GLS's cargo capacity was slightly behind larger competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate for easy loading, though some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen's reach and centre console design.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, updated for the 2022 model year, featured improved front seats for enhanced comfort and support. The CX-5's interior offered various upgrades, including power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control. The Signature trim added luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas and a cramped rear seat. Cargo space measured 871 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,680 litres with the back seat folded. While the CX-5's cargo capacity was less than some mainstream rivals, it surpassed several entry-luxury models.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, including voice commands, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system, activated by "Hey Mercedes," was particularly effective. However, the touchpad controller was found to be cumbersome. The GLS also included augmented-reality navigation, though the embedded system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics. However, the system's physical controls on the centre console were awkward to use, requiring memorization and focus. The control knob often necessitated multiple twists and pushes to execute commands, making it less intuitive than a touchscreen. Despite these challenges, Mazda Connect offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system. The test vehicle also included a front-facing camera and a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. However, advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system were optional. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with most i-Activsense driver assistance technologies offered as standard. Exclusive features for the 2.5 Turbo Signature included a surround-view camera system and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly, with features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning providing visual and tactile alerts. The CX-5 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, a warning system for driving without headlights at night was notably absent.