2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior update that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minor, with the most noticeable being the clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test vehicle, finished in Twilight Blue metallic and equipped with 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, presented a handsome appearance. Inside, the GLE 450e exuded luxury with its Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim. Mercedes offered a wide range of interior colour choices and trims, making the GLE's cabin one of the highest quality in its segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer adopted a sleek, road-car-inspired design with a low roofline and a prominent grille framed by stacked headlights. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with its blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels. The 2023 updates included new taillights, grille, and LED headlights, along with fresh wheel designs and additional colour options. Inside, the Blazer's sporty aesthetic was evident with an upright dashboard and large round air vents reminiscent of the Camaro. The RS model featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a two-tone upholstery scheme, showcasing impressive material quality.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines, with the AMG GLE 53 featuring a 3.0-litre turbo inline-six. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor, delivered a combined 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. The GLE 450e's fuel economy was estimated at 4.1 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres, with a range of 77 kilometres on electric power alone. The transition between gas and electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer retained its powertrain options from the previous year, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and a 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 308 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard in Canada. The V6-powered Blazer RS felt quick and had a sporty exhaust note, but its handling was affected by its weight and top-heavy design. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, which was less convenient than some competitors' automatic systems. The Blazer's towing capacity was 2,041 kilograms, in line with other midsize SUVs.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for five passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows. The cabin felt light and airy, and outward visibility was excellent. The GLE offered 630 litres of cargo space behind the second row, which was competitive with some rivals but fell short of others. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Additional features included a Burmester surround-sound audio system, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle with front-seat headroom comparable to rivals. Rear-seat headroom was slightly below average, but legroom was decent. The Blazer offered 864 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, which was less than some competitors. The Blazer's interior featured functional details like USB ports and a unique temperature control system. A heated steering wheel was standard on the RS trim but not available on lower models, which was an oversight for the Canadian market.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main touchscreen. The system was user-friendly but required some learning. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an improved voice command system. Optional features like a head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity. However, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel could be inadvertently activated.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. The RS and Premier trims featured an 8-inch digital instrument cluster display, built-in navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a user-friendly layout. However, the lack of a dedicated button for the optional 360-degree camera system was noted. The Blazer's tech presentation was competitive, with a large touchscreen comparable to rivals.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included active lane-keep assist and evasive steering assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2022 model year, but crash tests for the 2024 model were not yet completed.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer offered the standard Chevy Safety Assist Package, which included automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control was now available on all trims. Optional features included blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, but it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.