2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

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 in the lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand’s identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

Inside, Mercedes offered a variety of interior colours beyond the typical black, grey, and tan, with the U.S. test car showcasing a Yacht Blue interior. The GLE's interior felt upscale, featuring chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting that transformed the cabin into a vibrant space at night. These elements contributed to a special and luxurious feel, enhancing the overall experience of the vehicle.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often considered one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with its graceful curves setting it apart from competitors. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, its design remained timeless and could easily be mistaken for an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior of the CX-5 also impressed with its high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional analog controls with modern digital trends. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, the physical buttons, knobs, and gauges offered better usability compared to more high-tech rivals.

The CX-5's interior featured soft-touch materials and sturdy high-quality plastics, reminiscent of last-generation Acura or Lexus interiors, making it feel more special than similarly priced crossovers. The vehicle's design and refinement were commendable, although it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. Nonetheless, the CX-5's interior offered a pleasant and comfortable environment 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. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with 4Matic all-wheel drive standard across all Canadian models. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, generating 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four engine with electric assistance, 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, producing 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, delivered a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. The GLE's overall refinement was impressive, but even in AMG spec, it felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a Turbo model with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard across the range. The base engine accelerated the CX-5 to 96 km/h in about 8 seconds, while the turbocharged model achieved this in approximately 6 seconds, making it one of the quicker options in its class.

The CX-5 excelled in handling, offering a sporty driving experience with its sure-footed AWD and suspension that minimized body roll. While the ride quality was slightly firmer, it remained comfortable for most passengers. The cabin was quiet, effectively filtering out wind and road noise, enhancing the overall driving experience. The CX-5's performance and driving dynamics made it a standout choice for those seeking an engaging and confident ride.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not provide 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 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 slightly challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom comparable to the BMW X5 and additional legroom compared to the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 894 litres of cargo space behind the second-row seats, competitive but not class-leading. With all seats folded, it provided 1,790 litres of cargo space, the most among its competitors. The GLE's maximum towing capacity was 3,500 kilograms, matching the Audi Q7 and surpassing some rivals.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, but it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. While rear headroom was sufficient for adults, the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered slightly more. The CX-5 provided more rear legroom than the RAV4, but the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage offered more space for passengers. The CX-5's cargo space was 871 litres behind the rear seats, with a flat and wide area for larger items. Folding the rear seatbacks expanded the capacity to 1,680 litres, although competitors like the CR-V and Sportage offered more cargo space.

The CX-5 featured moderately sized cupholders, door pockets, and a deep centre armrest bin for smaller personal items. Midlevel trims added a wireless charging pad, although the harder plastic surface allowed phones to slide around. The infotainment system was easy to operate with a dial, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial. The base trim included a four-speaker audio system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, one serving as a digital instrument cluster and the other as an infotainment touchscreen, creating the impression of a continuous horizontal screen. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included 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, steering wheel touchpads, and voice recognition.

The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and the ability to adjust damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models could be equipped with an off-road display and 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 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash, controlled via a dial on the centre console. The dial allowed for easy operation while driving, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial. The midrange Premium Plus trim added a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, projecting speed and other information onto the windshield.

The base trim included a four-speaker audio system, while the Signature model offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and control were available through a smartphone app, with the service free for the first year. A Wi-Fi hotspot was also available, enhancing connectivity for passengers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of driver-assist features, although 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 aimed to mitigate collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows.

The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The CX-5 scored well in IIHS crash tests, but its standard collision avoidance system received a Poor rating. All trim levels included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The midrange GT trim added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and Cruise & Traffic Assist. The Turbo Signature trim included a 360-degree camera, a driver attention monitor, and front and rear parking sensors. During testing, the CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly without false alarms or glitches.