2025 Lexus GX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, presented a unique aesthetic that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It shared some visual bulk with models like the GLS, GLC, and GLB, but its more rounded profile paid homage to previous generations and its M-Class predecessor. The GLE featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, giving it a wide stance. However, the sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created odd proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand’s orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

Inside, Mercedes offered a variety of interior colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan. The U.S. test car's Yacht Blue interior was unavailable in Canada, but the GLE's interior still impressed with its upscale feel. Features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting transformed the cabin into a vibrant space. The interior felt special and luxurious, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign for the 2024 model year, marking a significant departure from its predecessor's appearance. The new model drew inspiration from boxy, old-school Land Rover designs, with a brawny facial expression accented by LED headlights and a large grille. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, rock rails, and a fitting brown colour called Earth by Lexus. The overall geometric design was visually appealing and added to the vehicle's rugged charm.

Inside, the GX maintained a clean and elegant design with a strong air of luxury. The switchgear had a quality feel, and the dashboard, centre console, and door trim exuded chic sophistication. The front and rear seats offered ample headroom, even for tall drivers, and the head-up display was easily adjustable. The seats, upholstered in stitched black and tan faux leather, provided heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. Overall visibility was excellent, thanks to the tall windows and elevated ride height, making the GX a comfortable and practical choice for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The lineup began with the GLE 350, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four engine with electric assist, delivering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with an 80-kilometre electric range.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models rounded out the lineup. The AMG GLE 53 featured an enhanced inline-six powertrain, generating 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S, with its hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, produced a formidable 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. The GLE 63 S Coupe, with its classic V8 soundtrack, transformed the SUV into a thrilling driving experience. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE's overall refinement was notable, though it felt larger than it was, even in AMG spec. Maneuvering in tight urban spaces proved challenging, despite features like adaptive air suspension and an active anti-roll system.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 engine across all trims, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels via full-time four-wheel drive with a limited-slip centre differential and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The GX's performance was robust, with a 0-100 km/h time of approximately 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8-powered predecessor. The GX excelled in highway merges, though the transmission occasionally lagged in response. The GX's fuel economy was rated at 15.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 11.2 on the highway, and 13.5 combined, with an average of 19.0 L/100 km during testing.

The GX's chassis, featuring double-wishbone suspension up front and four-link suspension in the rear, provided a surprisingly athletic feel for its size. On-road ride quality was good, though the rear axle exhibited some typical truck jiggliness. Off-road, the GX demonstrated impressive capability, easily tackling steep and challenging terrain. The Overtrail+ package enhanced its off-road prowess, though it required additional investment for features like a locking rear differential and Multi-Terrain Select drive modes. Despite its weight and turbo-sourced torque, the GX's performance and off-road aptitude made it a standout choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though Mercedes did not publish specifications for third-row space. The GLE offered similar headroom to most rivals, but models like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80 provided slightly more legroom. The GLE's high seating position was SUV-like, but outward visibility was limited. The front seats in the AMG test car were heavily bolstered, making entry and exit a bit challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom nearly identical to the BMW X5 and slightly more legroom than rivals like the Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 894 litres of cargo space behind the second-row seats, competitive but not as spacious as the GV80 or MDX. With all seats folded, the GLE provided 1,790 litres of cargo space, the most among its competitors. The GLE's centre console offered reasonable storage for small items, and its maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms ensured it could handle substantial loads.

The 2025 Lexus GX was designed to accommodate passengers of all sizes, with front headroom measuring 1,001 millimetres and rear headroom at 1,095 mm. The GX offered 1,047 mm of legroom up front and 933 mm in the second row, with generous shoulder room in both rows. The GX's cargo space was a standout feature, with 291 litres available with all seats deployed, increasing to 1,138 litres with the third row stowed, and a substantial 2,177 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

The Overtrail packages, which did not include a third row, offered a massive 2,563 litres of cargo space with the second row folded, reducing to 1,291 litres with the second row in place. The GX's towing capacity of 4,111 kilograms made it a versatile choice for adventurers. Despite its dimensions, the GX was relatively easy to park and maneuver, with an overall width of 1,999 millimetres and a length of 5,005 mm. Its manageable footprint made it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a standard interface with dual 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access points, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and the central touchscreen, provided various ways to interact with the system. The native voice recognition system was a helpful feature, simplifying access to functions.

The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. These settings were accessible via steering wheel dials with small screens for confirmation. Some GLE models featured an off-road display with steering angle, tilt angle, and grade percentage, along with a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system. These features, combined with air suspension, enhanced the GLE's off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system offered great clarity, haptic feedback, and an intuitive layout. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, with seamless pairing. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system, included with certain packages, provided good audio quality, though it required higher volume at highway speeds.

The GX featured six USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with deep armrest storage that included cooling in the Executive and Overtrail+ packages. The GX's technology package was comprehensive and easy to use, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, though some were not standard. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system, which mitigated collision effects, was also standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the GLE a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ rating, though its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published safety ratings for the 2025 model year at the time of writing.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The Overtrail+ tester also included pedestrian detection. The GX's driver-assist systems were user-friendly and effective, with no intrusive alerts during testing.

The GX offered a 360-degree camera system with good optical quality, and trail-viewing cameras enhanced off-road visibility. The 2025 Lexus GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it featured 10 airbags for occupant protection.