2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. Depending on the variant, trim levels ranged from Select to Premium Plus, with pricing between $39,575 and $59,480. The test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim and Soul Red paint, had an MSRP of $51,450. Its exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal and cabin placement over the rear axle contributed to its athletic look. Inside, the CX-90 featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, creating an upscale ambiance despite some materials reflecting its competitive price.

However, the CX-90's design had ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Mazda's reluctance to offer touchscreen operation for its infotainment system was also noted. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs. It offered a premium feel, although some design elements could be improved for better user experience.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered ten versions, with prices ranging from $63,600 to $134,500. The GLE 350 was the least expensive model, featuring rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe, at the higher end, came with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. The test vehicle was a GLE 450 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. It included the Exclusive Package and the Manufaktur Edition Package, bringing the MSRP to $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package with blacked-out trim.

The GLE's exterior design was criticized for its egg-on-wheels styling, although the GLE Coupe's swoopy roofline was an exception. Inside, the GLE 450 featured an elegantly detailed cabin with matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The steering wheel was classy, and the climate controls were separated from the center touchscreen. While the touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel worked well, the touch slider for stereo volume was less precise, prompting reliance on the volume thumbwheel on the center console.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's drivetrain, particularly the 3.3 Turbo, was less refined than its design and materials suggested. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Its i-Stop function aimed to enhance fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, although real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg.

Mazda's CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, especially during cold starts. Power delivery and transmission behavior were unpredictable, leading to unwanted engine surge and acceleration. The vehicle's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness further detracted from its upscale impression. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's suspension was firm and communicative, offering a dynamic driving experience. Switching from Sport to Normal mode improved driving smoothness, showcasing Mazda's signature dynamic character.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, generating 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 equipped for off-roading and towing, with a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It featured Downhill Speed Regulation, an off-road data panel, and a "transparent hood" camera view for terrain visibility.

However, the GLE 450's standard suspension allowed excessive body motion, impacting its performance in city and mountain driving. The steering felt numb in Comfort mode, and while Dynamic mode improved firmness, it remained uninterested in anything but straight-line travel. The sport braking system resisted fade during spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission's downshifts were noticeable. Despite these issues, the GLE offered a quiet cabin and decent fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, matching real-world testing results.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite California's cool summer, struggled to cool occupants quickly, indicating a less effective three-zone climate control system. Once cooled, the Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs provided comfort. The panoramic sunroof added natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, limited seat-track travel and long rear doors posed challenges for child seat installation and loading.

The CX-90's third row accommodated two adults comfortably with the second-row seat slid forward, but it was best suited for children on longer trips. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, shallow bin, and small trays under the load floor. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded. Maximum cargo volume was 74.2 cubic feet, smaller than some rivals.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's front seats were firm yet comfortable, featuring heating, "energizing seat kinetics," and a power-adjustable steering wheel. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats and Nappa leather. The back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, though the seating position felt low relative to window sills. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports and power-adjustable second-row seats.

The GLE provided thoughtful storage, with a cover for the wireless charging pad and cupholders. The power rear liftgate revealed 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover. Under the load floor, a large spare tire and hidden storage space were available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, offering a traditional gauge cluster and display. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, and a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models.

The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system, delivering a rewarding listening experience. Mazda's Active Driving Display provided a head-up display with helpful data, including blind-spot alerts. The CX-90's technology was functional but lacked the high-tech look of some rivals.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system on a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The setup offered lush graphics and minimal reflections, with a biometric authentication system for user profiles. The digital voice assistant performed well, except for an urgent request for hospital directions.

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 Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package included Online Music Streaming, with Apple Music integration.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of four midsize, three-row, gas-powered SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The CX-90 PHEV earned five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests, while gas-only models received four-star ratings in frontal-impact testing. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.

Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Cruising and Traffic Support paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, though it had issues with speed reduction and lane markings. Despite some irritations, the CX-90's driver aids were effective, with lane-keeping technologies performing well.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Pre-Safe Sound protected occupants' hearing during collisions. Parking aids included front and rear sensors, a surround-view camera system, and a semi-automated parking system.

The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, evasive steering assist, and automatic speed management. Active Emergency Stop Assist brought the GLE to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was aggravating, and the automated lane-change assist was inconsistent. The GLE earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS, but NHTSA had not rated it at the time of writing.