2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern lower bumper design. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but somewhat cluttered, with a centre console filled with controls that could be overwhelming at first. The MDX was available in several trims, including the A-Spec and Platinum Elite, with the Type S Ultra offering top-tier features like a 25-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats. The interior boasted ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats, and genuine leather upholstery, providing a luxurious experience despite the busy control layout.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, facelifted for 2024, maintained a unique design that set it apart from other Mercedes SUVs. It featured a rounded profile with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, giving it a wide stance. The GLE's interior offered a variety of colours and upscale features like chunky air vents and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. While the exterior proportions were somewhat unconventional, the interior felt special and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and style.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Type S Ultra variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The MDX Type S Ultra offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The SUV's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models provided even more power, with the latter boasting a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger and less nimble than some competitors, though it excelled in straight-line performance.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,690 litres available when the second and third rows were folded. The MDX featured a hands-free power liftgate and ample storage throughout the cabin, though the centre console controls were somewhat cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though specific third-row measurements were not provided. The GLE offered competitive cargo space, with 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The SUV's centre console provided reasonable storage space, and the GLE's towing capacity reached 3,500 kilograms when properly equipped, making it a practical choice for those needing to tow heavy loads.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The vehicle also featured multiple USB ports, a digital instrument panel, and wireless device charging, though the infotainment system's complexity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for its digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a seamless display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access points such as a touchpad, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, enhancing the driving experience. The GLE's off-road display and "transparent hood" function added practicality for rough terrain driving.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX earned high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. However, the infotainment system's complexity posed a potential distraction for drivers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.