2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes confidently avoided an ostentatious grille, opting for a more subtle design. However, for those seeking a bit more flair, the AMG GLS 63 model offered enhanced visual drama with flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and prominent exhaust tips. The Maybach version took luxury to another level with chrome accents, a traditional hood ornament, and power running boards. Inside, the GLS 450's interior, though basic by GLS standards, still exuded luxury with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a high-quality feel without being overly fragile.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, showcased a blend of subtle seductiveness and newfound ruggedness. Its design featured a blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield, complemented by blistered fender swells and bold lower body cladding. The CX-50's exterior design elements, including a black grille and available 20-inch alloy wheels, came together in an appealing manner. The interior boasted a driver-focused design with quality materials and polished metallic trim. While the dashboard's lone off-centre vent seemed like an afterthought, the overall interior was comfortable and stylish. The CX-50's design was both attractive and functional, making it a good-looking compact crossover.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, and the electric assist was well-integrated. However, the air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, exhibited poor body control, leading to a less refined ride. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The base GT model featured a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the GT Turbo trim boasted a turbocharged version producing up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine provided smooth acceleration and a broad power curve, with no noticeable turbo lag. The CX-50's Mi-Drive system offered various driving modes, but the differences between them were subtle. The CX-50's ride quality was firmer, and it exhibited some torque steer during acceleration. With a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, the CX-50 was capable of handling moderate loads, though it might struggle on steep grades.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, offering a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with captain’s chairs. The GLS provided excellent second-row legroom, thanks to its long wheelbase, and offered competitive cargo space. With all seats in place, it had 355 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate, making loading and unloading cargo convenient. However, some ergonomic issues, such as the touchscreen's reach and centre console grab handles, were noted.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was equipped with power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it ready for winter. The interior was comfortable, with ample room for adults in the back seat. Storage space was adequate, though some opportunities for additional storage were missed. The CX-50 offered 889 litres of cargo space, slightly more than the CX-5, with a long load floor but narrow space between the wheel wells. Maximum cargo space measured 1,595 litres, slightly less than the CX-5 due to the CX-50's lower roofline.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and navigation. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, allowing for hands-free operation. However, the touchpad controller was found to be overly sensitive and cumbersome. The GLS also included an augmented-reality navigation feature, though the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with the Mazda Connect infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mazda Connected Services. The system traditionally lacked touchscreen control, relying on centre console buttons and knobs, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. However, the 2023 CX-50 introduced touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The CX-50 also featured an Active Driving Display, projecting important information within the driver's line of sight.

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, some advanced driver-assistance features, such as 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-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to some headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. The CX-50 came with a generous standard package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on higher trims. The adaptive cruise control system had some issues recognizing slower vehicles cutting into the gap ahead, but overall, the driving assistance systems worked well.