2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed with a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from typical cars, featuring an abundance of charcoal-coloured plastic on the lower body. While some found this excessive, the overall design was appealing, with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted sides. The interior of the CX-30 was a standout, offering a level of style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes lineup. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a wide stance. The GLE's interior was notable for its variety of colour options, including the exclusive Yacht Blue in the U.S. The cabin was upscale, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting that created a luxurious atmosphere. However, the GLE's proportions, especially in the Coupe models, were considered odd by some.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the CX-30's fuel economy was less impressive, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km, limiting its range to about 360 km on a full tank. The CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility, although it felt a bit soft in mountainous terrain.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-litre inline-six with 375 hp, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 and 63 S models delivered even more power, with the latter's V8 engine producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite the impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, making it less nimble in tight spaces.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was marked by quality materials and logical controls. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a touch of colour. While the front seats were comfortable and heated, the rear seat space was cramped. The CX-30 offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded, providing practical storage options.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The front seats offered a high SUV-like seating position, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in many competitors, with additional legroom compared to rivals like the BMW X5. The GLE provided 894 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,790 litres with seats folded. It also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kg, making it a capable workhorse.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distance from the driver was a drawback. Mazda's infotainment system relied on a combination of controls, but lacked a natural voice recognition system. The CX-30 included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose audio system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE's interface consisted of dual 12.3-inch screens, with MBUX offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. Multiple access methods, including a touchpad and voice recognition, were available, though potentially confusing. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured additional drive modes and settings accessible via steering wheel dials. Some models offered off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for enhanced visibility.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 came equipped with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package included adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.