2024 Lexus GX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Lexus GX presented a striking departure from its predecessor, the 2023 GX 460, with its bold geometric styling. The new design featured a less pronounced spindle grille flanked by standard triple-beam LED headlights, giving the front fascia a more aggressive and vertical stance. The hood's design, with its raised sides above the front wheels, aided drivers in maintaining positional awareness during off-road adventures. The side profile of the GX appeared as if carved from a solid block of metal, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline enhancing visibility. The rear design continued the horizontal theme, with standard running boards completing the look. The GX was available in a single trim level in Canada, with five packages emphasizing either luxury or off-road capabilities. The interior combined luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions, making it a premium SUV ready for rugged use.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes lineup. It shared some visual bulk with other models but featured a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The GLE's design included squared-off wheel arches and a wide stance, contrasted by sharply tapering side glass and a rakish windshield. While the standard GLE SUV had odd proportions, the GLE Coupe models exaggerated these further with a fastback-style roofline. Inside, the GLE offered a variety of interior colours, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting creating an upscale atmosphere. The interior felt special, even if the exterior design wasn't the most handsome in the lineup.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided impressive torque low in the rev range, enhancing off-road capabilities. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX boasted a stiffer chassis for improved stability on and off-road. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated confidently, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential ensured robust off-road performance. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) for increased wheel articulation. During testing, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration and effective braking, with a composed ride on-road despite its size.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a 603 hp twin-turbo V8, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited nimbleness on backroads and challenges in tight urban spaces.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior underwent a significant transformation, adopting a minimalist and sophisticated design. It retained essential physical buttons, with rotary knobs for climate control and off-roading features. The GX offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row, available in select packages, was tight for adults. The GX excelled in cargo space, offering 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded, and a total of 2,178 litres. Overtrail models provided even more cargo capacity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom, with a high seating position. Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most rivals. The GLE provided 894 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The centre console offered reasonable storage for small items. With a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, the GLE was capable of handling substantial loads.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a voice assistant and subscription-based services like Drive Connect and Remote Connect. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. While the interface was user-friendly, subscription costs for certain features after the initial trial period were a consideration for long-term ownership.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE boasted a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods. The voice recognition system was effective, simplifying navigation through the interface. AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's capabilities on rough terrain.

The 2024 Lexus GX received significant safety upgrades with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While crash-test ratings were pending, the modern GA-F architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with some optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE earned a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though front-crash prevention ratings varied.