2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly in its RX 500h Black Line Special Edition guise, was a $75,000 SUV that, despite its price, did not stand out visually. Its Incognito paint and orange brake calipers were unique touches, but the overall design remained unremarkable, with a large front grille and a rising sheetmetal profile. The RX lineup offered three hybrid models: the base RX 350h with 246 horsepower and 36 mpg, the sportier RX 500h with 366 hp and 27 mpg, and the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 37 miles of electric range and 35 mpg. All models came with standard AWD, and the RX 500h was available in F Sport Performance and Black Line Special Edition trims. Inside, the RX Hybrid featured a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls varied in user-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a more luxurious and technologically advanced experience. With ten versions available, prices ranged from $63,600 to $134,500. Our test vehicle, the GLE 450, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology. The GLE's interior was elegantly detailed, with matte-finish wood, metallic accents, and sophisticated digital displays. The Manufaktur Edition Package added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and premium Nappa leather. Despite its bland exterior, the GLE's cabin was a highlight, offering comfort and quality. The GLE's infotainment system, MBUX, featured dual 12.3-inch displays with lush graphics and a biometric authentication system. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system and augmented-reality navigation, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options. The RX 350h, with its 246 hp hybrid powertrain, prioritized efficiency over excitement, achieving 36 mpg. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, but was only available in the Luxury trim. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time 1.5 seconds faster than the RX 350h. However, its fuel economy was lower at 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, Direct4 AWD, and performance brakes, but its dynamic capabilities were limited by a lack of communication between the road and driver.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, with its 375 hp turbocharged inline-six engine and mild-hybrid system, offered a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It featured multiple driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual. However, the standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, impacting its performance on city streets and mountain roads. The GLE's steering was numb in Comfort mode and only slightly improved in Dynamic mode. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The GLE achieved 21 mpg in combined driving, matching EPA estimates, but its transmission and engine stop/start system occasionally caused uneven power delivery.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance's front seats were snug, and the climate system's fan was loud. The rear seats were comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a comfortable and spacious interior. The front seats were firm yet comfortable, with features like "energizing seat kinetics" and ventilated options. The back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, though the seating position felt low. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding versatility. The GLE's cargo space measured 33.3 cubic feet, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Thoughtful storage solutions and a power rear liftgate added convenience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use. The RX offered a range of connected services, including a three-year Drive Connect plan with an Intelligent Assistant. The optional Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's MBUX infotainment system featured dual 12.3-inch displays with lush graphics and minimal reflections. The system included 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 satellite radio and Mercedes Digital Extras. The GLE's technology was user-friendly and enhanced the luxury experience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. In NHTSA crash tests, the RX earned a five-star overall safety rating, but the IIHS rated it poorly in frontal-impact tests.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 rim enhanced safety. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was problematic. The IIHS awarded the GLE a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, but the NHTSA had not rated it at the time of writing.