2024 Mazda CX-5 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained much of its original design from its 2017 debut, with only minor updates. This continuity in design, characterized by traditional Mazda styling cues, ensured that the CX-5 remained modern and appealing. The U.S. version of the new-for-2024 Suna trim featured exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts, adding a touch of exclusivity. Mazda also made improvements to the fuel economy for the base engine models, introduced wireless charging, and added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 lineup offered a choice between a 187-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 256-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, stood out with its unique design that differentiated it from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a more 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, like the test vehicle, had a fastback-style roofline that contrasted with the bulky lower body, creating a distinctive look. Inside, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with options like the Yacht Blue interior, chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and 64-colour ambient lighting, making the cabin feel upscale and special.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, while regular gas provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build up. However, the fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and observed consumption at 10.3 L/100 km. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and the frame was stiffened for better handling. It featured Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, enhancing cornering and minimizing body motions. The CX-5 was quiet on highways, firm in the city, and zippy on twisty roads, with a ground clearance of 20 centimetres and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively, with the latter achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. The GLE's refinement was impressive, but it felt larger than it was, even with AMG chassis upgrades. Maneuvering in tight spaces was challenging, but the powertrains, especially the AMG variants, provided a thrilling driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with comfortable and supportive seating. The interior was snug for four adults, with good rear seat support and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest. The cabin's design and quality elevated it above most mass-market rivals, with leather standard on all trims except the base GS and GX. Cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded, which was less than most compact crossovers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, with competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than rivals. The cargo space was 894 litres behind the second row and 1,790 litres with seats folded, offering the most cargo space among its competitors. The centre console provided ample storage for small items, and the GLE had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The interior was luxurious, with a high seating position and heavily bolstered front seats in the AMG models.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured traditional switchgear for various controls, with a 10.25-inch display for infotainment. While Mazda avoided touchscreens, it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons, with a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system available in higher trims. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, but the native voice interface was less intuitive than smartphone assistants.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE had a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment, with MBUX incorporating wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface could be accessed through various methods, including a touchpad and steering wheel controls. The native voice recognition system was effective, and AMG models had additional drive modes and settings. Some GLE models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but it did not receive the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation for 2024.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, with some important ones as 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 the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, although its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.