2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received a subtle exterior makeover that might have gone unnoticed by many. The changes were minor, 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 model, in particular, stood out with its Twilight Blue metallic finish and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance to its appearance. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury, featuring a combination of Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery with natural grain brown walnut trim, offering a high-quality and robust-looking cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a more artful design with its long hood and dramatic flanks, although it was somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. The CX-30's interior, however, was upscale and elegant, with quality materials and a tasteful combination of off-white leather and chocolate brown accents in the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model. Despite its appealing design, the CX-30's exterior ruggedness was more of a facade, as the interior offered a refined and entry-level luxury SUV feel.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to various SUV shoppers. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, with additional AMG models like the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 horsepower, delivering sports car-like speed. The GLE 450e, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, generated a combined output of 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, offering a smooth and swift driving experience. The GLE 450e's electric mode allowed for silent highway driving at speeds up to 87 mph, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured two engine options: the 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and the 2.5 Turbo with a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower on premium gas. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive provided a solid driving experience. The 2.5 Turbo model offered robust acceleration and a thrilling engine sound, although it occasionally felt flat-footed in heavy traffic. The CX-30's suspension was compliant, making it enjoyable on twisty roads, but it struggled with speed bumps and humps, impacting ride quality. The small fuel tank limited its range, requiring frequent refueling stops.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for passengers, with comfortable seating in both the first and second rows. The GLE 450e's light beige upholstery contributed to a light and airy cabin feel, and outward visibility was excellent. The GLE offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, comparable to rivals like the BMW X5. While the optional third-row seat was limited to certain models, it was only suitable for young children. The GLE 450e came with numerous comfort features, including power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate. Additional options included massaging front seats, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat had limited manual adjustment. Rear passengers had access to air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight. The CX-30 provided reasonable storage space, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. While the power liftgate was standard on higher trims, the cargo space was not particularly impressive for a small crossover.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the digital instrument panel and main infotainment display. The system was user-friendly, though it required some learning to navigate its extensive features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with an improved "Hey Mercedes" voice command system. The head-up display and augmented reality navigation were praised for their clarity and convenience. However, the touch-sensitive steering wheel controls occasionally caused issues, such as unexpected volume changes.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws. It lacked a touchscreen display, requiring reliance on center console controls that could be distracting. The voice-recognition system was not conversational, leading to frustration when attempting to use it effectively. Additionally, the absence of a tuning knob made it challenging to navigate radio stations. Despite these shortcomings, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated into the dashboard, offering pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with higher trims adding features like SiriusXM satellite radio and a Bose premium sound system.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came equipped with a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. The optional Driver Assistance package added features like active blind-spot assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. These systems were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included additional safety aids like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30's safety systems worked well, although a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking event felt excessive in one instance. Overall, the CX-30's safety features were effective and added to its appeal.