2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE underwent a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minimal, with the most noticeable updates being the clever Mercedes star logos on the front grille and slight modifications to the headlights and taillights. The GLE 450e test model, 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, ensuring a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its previous blocky exterior. The 2023 refresh introduced a more traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford blue oval logo. The Escape, particularly in the ST-Line Elite trim, featured 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked appealing but felt hard and plasticky. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat provided ease of adjustment. The interior, however, was dominated by plastic materials, some of which felt scratchy and poorly reinforced.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the GLE 350 4Matic, GLE 450 4Matic, and AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, with the GLE 450e PHEV joining the lineup. The GLE 450e combined a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, allowing the GLE 450e to accelerate 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 Ford Escape offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The latter was available exclusively with AWD and provided better acceleration and passing power. However, the Escape's suspension remained soft and compliant, lacking the precision of a performance crossover. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers, with generous headroom and legroom in both the first 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. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 trims and was suitable only for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The front-door armrests were well-positioned, and the head-up display was easy to adjust. The Escape's cargo space was slightly smaller than some competitors, with 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the second row folded. Rear-seat legroom was also slightly less than some rivals, but headroom was impressive. The Escape's front-seat backs were padded and scalloped to maximize space for rear passengers.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with two 12.3-inch screens. The system was easy to operate, though it required some time to learn its features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved voice command system. The optional 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 Ford Escape was equipped with Sync 4, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 13.2-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and was well-organized, with easy navigation between features. Sync 4 was intuitive, though it could be slow to respond. The audio system included a standard six-speaker setup, with a Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and active lane-keep assist. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS based on the 2022 model year.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it received a Marginal score in the IIHS's updated side-impact test. The Escape came with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assist features, including forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology.