2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, stood out among Mercedes-Benz SUVs with its unique design. It shared some visual bulk with the GLS, GLC, and GLB models but featured a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The squared-off wheel arches and horizontal grille and headlights gave it a wide stance, while the sharply tapering side glass, windshield, and back window created a distinctive look. However, the standard GLE SUV's proportions appeared somewhat odd, especially in the GLE Coupe models, where the bulky lower body contrasted with the fastback-style roofline. Despite not being the most handsome model in the lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand's identity, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz.

Inside, the GLE offered a refreshing departure from the usual black, grey, and tan interiors. The U.S. test car featured a Yacht Blue interior, unavailable in Canada, but the GLE's interior still impressed with its upscale feel. From the chunky air vents to the mesh speaker grilles of the optional Burmester audio system and the 64-colour ambient lighting, the cabin exuded a sense of luxury and uniqueness.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered one of the more attractive choices in the compact SUV class. It borrowed styling elements from the CX-5 but enhanced them with distinct fender flares and a wider grille, giving it a sportier and more athletic stance while maintaining an elegant presence. The interior featured a traditional layout, favouring classier materials over high-tech cockpits found in some competitors. Soft-touch materials were strategically placed, and distinct stitching added a fashionable flair. The hybrid model's exclusive red leather upholstery injected some vibrancy into the cabin.

A decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats added visual interest, though its placement could feel odd to some, likened to thong undergarments by a passenger. Despite this quirk, the CX-50 positioned itself above other compact SUVs, leaning towards entry-level luxury in design and interior quality.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG performance models. 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 lb-ft of torque. This power was managed by a nine-speed automatic transmission, with 4Matic all-wheel drive standard in Canada. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, also with a mild hybrid system, delivering 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four engine with electric assistance, generating 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 formidable 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. The GLE's overall refinement impressed, though it felt larger than it was, even in AMG spec. Despite adaptive air suspension and an active anti-roll system, the GLE lacked nimbleness on backroads, making urban maneuvering more challenging than in competitors.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, producing 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque, with all-wheel drive. While not designed for serious off-road use, the hybrid powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, was a smart choice given Toyota's expertise. The hybrid filled the gap between the 187 hp base engine and the 256 hp Turbo models. Acceleration was similar to the RAV4 Hybrid, with an expected 0-100 km/h time between 7.5 and 8 seconds. The e-CVT transmission replicated the feel of a conventional automatic, enhancing throttle response with immediate electric motor power.

The CX-50 distinguished itself with sportier suspension tuning, offering engaging handling and minimal body roll. While the firmer ride quality resulted in more noticeable bumps, it remained smooth enough for most passengers, with a quiet cabin on highways.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though Mercedes did not publish third-row space specs. The GLE offered similar headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom than the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, though outward visibility was limited. The AMG test car's heavily bolstered front seats enhanced sporty driving but made entry and exit more challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitors, with headroom comparable to the BMW X5 and more legroom than 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 less than the GV80 or MDX. With all seats folded, it provided 1,790 litres, the most among its competitors. The bulky centre console offered reasonable small-item storage, and the GLE's maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) matched the Audi Q7, with other rivals close behind.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50, while enjoyable to drive, fell short in practicality and space compared to competitors. The front seats offered ample room, but the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers than the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, with a moderately sized armrest bin, cupholders, and door pockets, though rivals offered more storage options. The CX-50's cargo capacity was 826 litres behind the rear seats, 63 litres less than the non-hybrid version and below the class average. The CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage surpassed it with 1,028 and 1,119 litres, respectively.

Despite the figures, the CX-50's space was more usable than it seemed, with a standard power liftgate, a large storage bin under the cargo floor, remote rear seatback releases, and shopping bag hooks adding convenience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a familiar interface with dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a continuous horizontal display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and the central touchscreen, could be confusing, but the voice recognition system simplified interactions. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing rough terrain driving.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50's technology appeared modest but practical. The 10.25-inch infotainment system, mounted atop the dashboard, was controlled by a centre console dial, a throwback to earlier infotainment systems. While touchscreen functionality was limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the dial controller allowed for easier navigation without focusing on small on-screen buttons. All models included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad standard on CX-50 Hybrid models in Canada. Base trims featured an eight-speaker audio system, while the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with exit assist, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts, closing windows and the sunroof, and emitting a sound to protect against hearing loss. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and expanded driver-monitoring capabilities. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard driver assistance features included frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Secondary features included a driver attention monitor and automatic high beams. The adaptive cruise control impressed with smooth acceleration and stops.