2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an exterior makeover, but the changes were subtle enough to go unnoticed by many. Up close, the Mercedes star logos on the front grille were a clever detail, and the changes to the headlights and taillights were more apparent when compared side-by-side with the previous model. Standard LED headlights and optional multi-beam LED headlights were available. The GLE 450e we tested was finished in Twilight Blue metallic and featured 21-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, which added a touch of elegance despite their $1,100 price tag. The interior of the GLE 450e exuded luxury with Macchiato beige and black leather upholstery, complemented by natural grain brown walnut trim, adding $1,620 and $160, respectively, to the sticker price. Mercedes offered a variety of choices with 10 interior color options and five trims, making it one of the highest quality cabins in its segment.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was a more rugged counterpart to the CX-5, with a design that emphasized its broad-shouldered proportions. It was 1.4 inches lower, 3 inches wider, and 5.7 inches longer than the CX-5, with a 4.6-inch wheelbase stretch. The CX-50 featured square wheel arches and fake air vents below the headlights and taillights. Available in eight trim levels, the CX-50 offered 17-inch wheels on lower trims and 20-inch wheels on higher grades. Our test car, the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition, featured all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a black hood graphic, and more pronounced rocker-panel trim. The interior design was pleasing, with an infotainment screen on a shelf and impressive material quality for a non-luxury brand. However, the CX-50's aspirations to be an upscale brand were still a work in progress, with standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains to suit various SUV shoppers, starting at approximately $63,805. The lineup included the GLE 350, GLE 450, GLE 450e, and GLE 580, along with AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models. Engines ranged from turbocharged four- and six-cylinders to a twin-turbo V8 producing 603 horsepower in the AMG GLE 63 S. Our GLE 450e tester featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a combined 381 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission sent power to all four wheels, and the GLE 450e accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The electric-only driving range was estimated at 40 miles, with the ability to operate as an EV at speeds up to 87 mph. The transition from gas to electric power was seamless, and the suspension provided a smooth ride even on rough roads. The GLE 450e's sophisticated steering made it maneuverable despite its size, and the overall performance exceeded expectations.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on 93-octane gasoline, and 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard on all models, with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving comfort than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires provided limited grip and higher noise levels, and the roof platform added wind noise at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-50 was well-mannered and suitable for daily driving.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided ample space for adults in both the first and second rows, with a light and airy cabin feel. The GLE 450e offered 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 40/20/40 split-folding second row, comparable to the BMW X5 but less than the Cadillac XT6 and Volvo XC90. The optional third-row seat was limited to the GLE 350 and GLE 450 and was suitable only for young children. Comfort features included power-adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. Our test vehicle also included options from the Exclusive and Pinnacle trim levels, such as a Burmester surround-sound audio system, ventilated front seats, augmented reality navigation, massaging front seats, and a head-up display.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom in both rows. The CX-50 had 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, slightly less than the CX-5. The cargo area was not ideal for dirty or bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high and challenging to use. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage space, a substantial shifter, and a rotary infotainment controller on the center console. While some automakers have minimized shifters to free up space, Mazda maintained a functional design.

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 infotainment screen. The system could be controlled via touch commands, a control pad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. 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 controls on the steering wheel could be overly sensitive, causing unintended volume changes.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, but Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims included wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The rotary controller provided physical feedback, making it easier to use without taking eyes off the road. However, the infotainment system felt dated with plain graphics and basic functions, making it suitable for buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a comprehensive lineup of active safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, hands-free park assist, rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. Our GLE 450e included the optional Driver Assistance package, adding active blind-spot assist, active lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and evasive steering assist. These features were unobtrusive during everyday driving and provided an extra layer of safety.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, receiving top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received lower scores for nighttime pedestrian detection and standard headlights. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model year were incomplete, but the CX-50 received a five-star frontal crash-test rating and a four-star rollover crash-test rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, a driver attention monitor, and emergency lane-keeping with road-keep assist. Optional features included rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.