Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of ten versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the base model was the GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, at the higher end, featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e variant, a plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the base model, and included the Exclusive Package and the new-for-2026 Manufaktur Edition Package, priced at $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather, and the Driver Assistance Package. Despite the Moonlight White Magno paint highlighting the GLE's styling, the interior was a luxurious contrast, featuring quality materials, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays.

The 2026 Lexus GX came in several trims, including Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+, with prices ranging from $68,335 to $84,800. Our GX 550 Overtrail lacked the extra features of the "+" trims but included rock rails, roof-rack crossbars, a head-up display, and trailering equipment. The MSRP was $77,939 after deleting the power sunroof. The Nori Green Pearl color added an outdoorsy touch to the rugged Overtrail, which featured gray wheel arch cladding, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Overtrail had tan artificial leather with black bolsters and olive-green suede trim. The cabin emphasized utility with advanced digital displays. The GX's boxy design was complemented by the Lexus grille, LED headlights, and tall windows for visibility. The rear liftgate design and substantial bumper added to its distinctive style.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. It used a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 7,700 pounds and included features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a "transparent hood" camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, making it less enjoyable in city and mountain driving. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode, but remained unresponsive. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in traffic. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission hesitated with downshifts. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking center differential. The Overtrail model added an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and hill-descent control. It featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and an aluminum skid plate. The adaptive variable suspension and E-KDSS improved off-road capability. The GX excelled in challenging conditions, with its locking center diff and wheel articulation proving effective. On-road, the adaptive suspension absorbed bumps well, and the V6 provided speedy acceleration. However, the GX's fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg in combined driving. The GX was well-suited for commuting, offering excellent visibility and parking ease.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a quiet ride at freeway speeds, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring heating and "energizing seat kinetics." The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position for a flat load floor. A third-row seat was optional, adding two chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with a spare tire and hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail required some effort to enter, especially for shorter individuals. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The Luxury trim offered real leather and massaging front seats. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, providing more cargo space. The second-row bench seat accommodated three teenagers but had a low cushion and uncomfortable backrest angle. Storage space was limited, with small door trays and bins. The Overtrail offered 45.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 90.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The high load height and protruding bumper were useful for roof access but could soil clothes during loading.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered lush graphics and configurations, with a biometric authentication system and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM and Mercedes Digital Extras. The system was user-friendly, though the voice assistant struggled with urgent requests.

The 2026 Lexus GX included a 12.3-inch digital driver display with off-road and trailering data panels. The 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was simple to use but had low contrast in daytime mode. The system allowed quick access to features through a shortcut menu. The Lexus Interface included trial subscriptions to connected services, with a digital assistant for voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering simultaneous navigation and audio display. The GX also had a head-up display and panoramic-view monitor, though the view activation button was poorly placed.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist and touch-sensing steering wheel were notable features. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was problematic, and the automated lane-change assist was inconsistent. The GLE received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS for 2025, but its front-crash prevention tech earned low ratings.

The 2026 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan. The PDA system was helpful but could cause discomfort with automated braking. The lane-centering assist required manual correction in curves, and the adaptive cruise control's braking was not as smooth as expected. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not available at the time of writing.