2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, priced at $75,000 for the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a somewhat unremarkable exterior despite its exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers. The design featured a large front grille and a distinctive rear haunch, but overall, it lacked visual excitement. The RX lineup offered three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The interior boasted quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and perplexing. Lexus avoided the trend of a single curved display, opting for a more traditional layout.

In contrast, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more luxurious and exclusive feel, especially with the new Manufaktur Edition Package on the GLS 450. This package added AMG wheels, exclusive paint colors, and premium interior materials, enhancing the SUV's sporty appearance. The GLS interior, while similar to the smaller GLE-Class, featured high-quality materials and detailing, though it suffered from body creaks in cold weather. The GLS provided a tailored driving experience, with a focus on comfort and ease of use, making it a standout in the full-size luxury SUV segment.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup offered a range of performance options. The RX 350h, with 246 hp, prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg combined. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 hp and a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time, with an electric-only range of 37 miles. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. However, its fuel economy was lower at 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned suspension and advanced all-wheel-drive system, but its dynamic capabilities were hindered by a lack of communication between the road and driver.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assist, produced 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds and achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg combined. The GLS offered multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Eco, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual, with a standard Airmatic adaptive suspension enhancing ride quality. The GLS excelled in providing a smooth and composed driving experience, with a quiet cabin and solid dynamics, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a refined full-size luxury SUV.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, a midsize two-row SUV, focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions lacked long-term comfort. The rear seats offered ample room and comfort, with optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated features. The RX provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, though the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered standard seven-passenger seating, with a six-passenger configuration available. The GLS excelled in comfort, with features like a four-zone climate control system, heated and ventilated seats, and optional massaging functions. The six-passenger setup included power-operated second-row captain’s chairs with generous legroom. The GLS provided 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. While storage locations were limited, the GLS offered a spacious and comfortable interior for passengers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. While some expected features were optional, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. The RX offered a complimentary three-year Drive Connect plan with a digital voice assistant. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured dual 12.3-inch displays with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system with augmented reality, and a Burmester surround-sound system. The GLS offered additional options like gesture control, a head-up display, and rear infotainment screens. MBUX was user-friendly, with a digital assistant capable of executing various commands, though it occasionally struggled with specific requests.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS in frontal-impact tests.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured nearly 40 safety and driver-assistance systems, including Pre-Safe, Crosswind Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLS offered a hands-on driver-assistance system with a touch-sensing steering wheel, though it required active driver participation. The GLS excelled in providing a smooth and refined driving experience, with effective safety features enhancing peace of mind.