Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Lexus NX

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of nine versions in Canada, with prices spanning from $85,400 to $172,400 before additional fees. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE lineup included the entry-level GLE 350 with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the high-end AMG GLE 63 S Coupe boasted a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e variant, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 79 kilometres of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with the Exclusive Trim Package, adding features like exclusive Manufaktur paint, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof. Despite its luxurious interior with matte-finish wood and ambient lighting, the GLE's exterior design was criticized for its blandness, although the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline was noted to enhance its appeal.

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being in its second generation for a few years, maintained a fresh appearance with well-integrated styling elements such as chunky fenders and a spindle grille. While not as classically handsome as some rivals, the NX's design was more refined than others in its class. Lexus offered the NX in non-hybrid NX 350, hybrid NX 350h, and plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ models, with various packages like F Sport 3 adding adaptive dampers and black 20-inch wheels. However, the base NX 350's interior didn't quite meet luxury expectations, feeling similar to high-end Toyota RAV4 versions. The F Sport 3 package added sport seats and aluminum pedals, but the overall interior didn't significantly elevate the luxury experience.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was equipped for off-roading and towing, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, making the ride less enjoyable in various driving conditions. The steering was numb in Comfort mode and overly firm in Dynamic mode, while the brakes felt grabby in typical driving situations. Despite these issues, the GLE 450 offered decent fuel economy, with a combined rating of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2026 Lexus NX 350 F Sport 3 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine, related to the one used in the Toyota Tacoma, felt more suited to a pickup truck than a luxury SUV. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models offered more compelling powertrains, with the latter achieving 304 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.1 seconds. However, the NX's chassis tuning was indifferent, with the F Sport 3's adaptive dampers proving too firm for comfort. The steering was lifeless, and the ride quality was compromised, detracting from the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats, and the back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, although the seating position felt low. An optional third-row seat added versatility, and the GLE boasted 943 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,120 litres with the rear seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions and a large spare tire under the load floor added to its practicality.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space, though with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less generous. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. The F Sport 3 package added sport seats, but the overall comfort was not significantly enhanced. Cargo space measured 643 litres with the rear seats up and 1,328 litres with them folded, trailing behind competitors. The NX's towing capacity was also lower, at 907 kilograms.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays, offering lush graphics and minimal reflections. A biometric authentication system and a digital voice assistant enhanced user experience, although the navigation system occasionally misidentified medical facilities. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a standard 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 14-inch display with any package. All models included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Higher-priced packages offered a head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The voice recognition system was helpful but had limitations, and the instrument cluster presented information efficiently, though with a somewhat dated appearance.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and other advanced features. However, some driver aids, like the route-based speed-adjustment feature, were inconsistent and frustrating. The GLE received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS, but its front crash prevention tech earned low ratings.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like park assist and a 360-degree camera system were available. The NX received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, missing the highest award due to an "Acceptable" score in one crash test. The NHTSA had not published safety ratings for the NX at the time of writing.