Mercedes-Benz GLE vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in nine versions in Canada, with prices ranging from $85,400 to $172,400 before fees. Assembled in Alabama, the GLE offered standard all-wheel drive (AWD) across all models. The GLE 350 was the entry-level model, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, priced at more than twice the base model, boasted a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e, a plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 79 kilometres of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with the Exclusive Trim Package, featuring exclusive Manufaktur paint, 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package with blacked-out trim. Despite its egg-on-wheels styling, the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline improved the design. Inside, the GLE 450's cabin was elegantly detailed with quality materials, including matte-finish wood, metallic accents, and sophisticated digital displays. The climate controls were wisely separated from the centre touchscreen, and while the touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel worked well, the volume thumbwheel on the centre console was preferred for fine-tuning stereo volume.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages depending on the powertrain. The TX 350 came with the Luxury package by default, with options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the option for the F Sport 3 package. The grille retained some of the older “spindle grille” shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Three interior colour options were available: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, but overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic present. Redesigned door handles reacted to pressure rather than engaging a mechanical lever, which was a minor inconvenience. The TX's interior featured suede trim over the glovebox, and while the door handles were reimagined, more attention to detail in the cabin would have been appreciated.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission, with driving modes including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. The GLE 450 was capable of towing up to 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) and included features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a “transparent hood” camera view for off-roading. However, the standard suspension allowed too much body motion, making it less enjoyable on mountain roads. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode, and while it firmed up in Dynamic mode, it remained uninterested in anything but straight-line travel. The sport braking system performed well in the mountains but felt grabby in stop-and-go traffic. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission was slow to downshift. Despite these issues, the GLE was a comfortable long-distance vehicle with decent fuel economy, achieving 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The base Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 horsepower. The gas model featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h came with adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While the TX wasn't designed as a sports car, it provided a comfortable ride, with Sport mode offering a more immediate response.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and “energizing seat kinetics” to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats, and genuine leather was available as an option. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the windowsills, necessary for a flat load floor when folded. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE provided 943 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,120 litres with the seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions included a cover for the wireless charging pad and cupholders, a netted compartment, robust hooks, and a large spare tire under the load floor.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. Our test car had captain’s chairs in the second row, with a removable centre console. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button on the second-row seat allowed easy entry to the third row, but folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. All TX models could tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) when properly equipped.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics and a range of configurations, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and one year of Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch colour touchscreen that was easy to use but lacked some features, such as manual satellite radio station input. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. Smartphone connectivity was essential for accessing in-dash navigation and other subscription-based features. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered seven USB ports, wireless charging, and a 120-volt/1,500-watt outlet in the second row.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pre-Safe Sound feature emitted a tone to protect occupants' hearing during a collision. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane keep and centring assist, evasive steering assist, and more. The Active Emergency Stop Assist could bring the GLE to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. 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 TX came with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane tracing assist, and more. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering if the vehicle got too close to another car, pedestrian, or cyclist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was slow to resume speed. The NHTSA rated the TX five out of five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it an “Acceptable” score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side and a “Good” score for the passenger’s side.