2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions received new wheel designs, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the changes were more significant, with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system that replaced the previous touchpad interface, providing more storage space. The MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured seats from the previous Type S model, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. Despite the quality, the gloss black plastic trim on the dashboard was prone to collecting dust and smudges. The MDX offered logically placed controls, including a volume knob and quick-access buttons for the head-up display and safety features. The new Platinum Elite A-Spec trim blended luxury with a sportier look, with a Canadian MSRP of $78,005, including fees.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, AMG GLS 63, and Maybach GLS 600, with Canadian prices ranging from $125,395 to $247,795, excluding federal luxury tax. Our GLS 450 test vehicle featured 21-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line Exterior Package, premium leather upholstery, and a black headliner. The AMG styling details gave the GLS a sporty look, resolving the awkward fake front skid plate standard on the GLS 450. The interior, similar to the smaller GLE, boasted high-quality materials and detailing. However, body creaks were noticeable on chilly mornings. The GLS 450 came with standard leather upholstery, with Nappa leather available, and offered aluminum, wood, or black lacquer interior trim. Standard ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof added to the ambience. The control layout, including seat adjusters on the doors and a transmission gear-selector stalk, required acclimation. The dual 12.3-inch displays were well-integrated, offering a better dashboard fit than portrait-oriented displays in other models.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, featuring A-Spec design and Type S engineering. The Type S model boasted a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 290 hp at 6,200 rpm and 267 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s torque-vectoring Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with driving modes including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual. Fuel economy was rated at 11.2 L/100 km combined, though our test vehicle averaged 15.3 L/100 km. The MDX handled mountain roads confidently, with smooth body motions and predictable behaviour. It provided a firm and communicative city drive, with swift acceleration for highway merging. However, it was not designed for off-roading, with limited ground clearance and performance tires.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assist, producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic AWD, it accelerated from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The GLS 450 offered acceptable fuel economy, rated at 11.3 L/100 km combined, though our test observed 12.1 L/100 km. Driving modes included Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension and a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a quiet cabin, composed ride, and solid dynamics. It was easier to manage in urban settings compared to larger SUVs, with a supple ride and deft handling. The GLS's powertrain exhibited occasional delays in responsiveness, but Sport mode mitigated these issues. The turbo-six engine sounded sensational under hard acceleration, offering a satisfying driving experience.

The 2025 Acura MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and eight massage programs, wrapped in perforated, piped, and quilted leather. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for cupholders and storage. The outboard second-row seats offered comfort and legroom, with side window shades for privacy. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited leg support. In-cabin storage included a new centre console tray, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and small storage areas. Cargo volume measured up to 512 litres behind the third row, with a sizable well and hidden storage compartment. Folding the third row provided up to 1,367 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,690 litres with the second row folded.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain’s chairs as an option. The GLS provided exceptional comfort, with standard features including a four-zone climate control system, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, and heated outboard second-row seats. Comfort upgrades included ventilated and massaging second-row seats, a rapid heating system, and a five-zone climate control. The six-passenger configuration included power-operated and heated second-row captain’s chairs with a pass-through to the third row. Storage locations were limited, with a small centre armrest bin and shallow door pockets. The GLS offered 355 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,209-1,379 litres with the third row folded, and 2,400 litres with the second row down. The cargo cover was inconvenient during loading and unloading.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous True Touchpad Interface. The system offered a natural and intuitive interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. AcuraLink connected services and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard, with a Bang & Olufsen audio system providing high-quality sound. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, offering simple and easy-to-use themes. A 10.5-inch head-up display provided comprehensive data, though blind-spot monitoring alerts were absent. The MDX Platinum Elite A-Spec and Type S Ultra featured a surround-view camera system for parking assistance.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. A high-end Burmester 3D audio system was available, along with a head-up display and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was user-friendly, with configurable digital driver displays and a responsive touchscreen. The digital assistant, activated by saying “Hey Mercedes,” performed well, though it struggled with specific commands.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX Type S Ultra added front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. During testing, the AcuraWatch features performed well, though the lane-departure warning notification was less favourable. The 2025 MDX retained its five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS included nearly 40 safety and driver assistance systems, such as Pre-Safe and Crosswind Assist technologies. A surround-view camera system and parking sensors aided parking. The GLS required active driver participation, with a hands-on system that struggled with sharp curves. The tech’s curve speed reduction was overly cautious, but the system was easy to override. The GLS braked harder than necessary on highway exits, but overall, it provided a smooth and refined driving experience.