2024 Lexus TX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly established itself as a luxury SUV with its distinct design. Unlike the Grand Highlander, which resembled a larger RAV4, the Lexus TX exuded an upscale appearance, particularly with its 22-inch silver-finished wheels included in the TX 350 Executive packages. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, offering a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design language. The TX was available in three model series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, although the TX 550h+ was not yet on sale.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights that gave it a wide stance. The GLE Coupe models, with their fastback-style rooflines, presented odd proportions but adhered closely to the brand's design orthodoxy. The interior of the GLE stood out with its Yacht Blue option, although not available in Canada, and featured upscale elements like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting, creating a luxurious and special atmosphere.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial skepticism about its suitability for a midsize, three-row luxury SUV, the engine performed adequately in typical driving situations with up to four passengers. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque's swell. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a balanced ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering, although the brake pedal felt too soft.

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 engine 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, while the AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a 603 hp twin-turbo V8, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, with limited nimbleness on backroads and challenges in tight urban spaces.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs, offering a more compelling option. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row seat, though comfortable, lacked a massage function, and the third-row seat was habitable for adults, unlike previous models. The TX provided 572 litres of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and legroom, with slightly more second-row space than most rivals. It provided 894 litres of cargo space behind the second-row seats, expanding to 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The GLE's centre console offered reasonable storage space, and its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms ensured it could handle substantial loads.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with its 14-inch touchscreen display, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a cloud-based navigation system and digital assistant through a Drive Connect subscription. The TX also included free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, with Remote Connect free for three years. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interface consisted of dual 12.3-inch screens, with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in navigation. The interface could be accessed through various methods, including a centre console touchpad and steering wheel touchpads. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car featured additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models offered off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance, although it was not always transparent. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The traffic jam assist system offered hands-free driving on approved highways, but no higher-speed hands-free system was available.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with standard equipment including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist, and more. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.