Lexus GX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Lexus GX offered a range of trim levels, including the Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. The "+" signified additional features. Prices varied from $68,335 to $84,800, factoring in the destination charge. The GX 550 Overtrail, without the extra features, was equipped with rock rails, roof-rack crossbars, a head-up display, and trailering equipment, among other things. The power sunroof was removed, reducing the MSRP by $1,100, resulting in a final price of $77,939, including the destination charge. The GX 550 Overtrail's rugged appearance was enhanced by its Nori Green Pearl color, gray wheel arch cladding, and all-terrain tires. Inside, the cabin featured tan artificial leather with black bolsters and olive-green simulated suede trim, emphasizing utility over traditional luxury. The exterior design, with its distinctive Lexus grille and LED headlights, gave the GX a unique style, while the tall windows and substantial rear bumper added to its practicality.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE, in its fourth generation, received significant styling updates, including a star motif for the lights and grille. This design choice, reminiscent of designer handbags, featured nearly 150 three-pointed stars, including a prominent one in the center. Both the standard GLE SUV and the GLE Coupe received these changes, though they didn't necessarily enhance the overall look. The GLE retained its rounded silhouette, reminiscent of the old M-Class, which clashed with the boxy fenders and squared-off detailing. The AMG GLE models boasted sportier styling with larger air intakes and distinctive grilles. Inside, the dashboard was reconfigured to accommodate the Superscreen display, while fit and finish remained consistent with Mercedes' standards. Material quality varied with trim levels, offering options like wood trim and real leather upholstery. The Manufaktur Interior Package added vibrant upholstery colors for higher trims.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, delivering 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking center differential. The Overtrail model added an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, and a low-speed cruise control system. It rode on 18-inch matte-gray wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tires and had an adaptive variable suspension with a one-inch lift. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its locking center diff and impressive wheel articulation. On-road, the adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, though the tires weren't ideal for spirited driving. The twin-turbo V6 offered quick acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. However, its fuel efficiency was modest, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, including four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines, as well as two plug-in hybrids. A nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic AWD were standard. The base GLE 350 4Matic had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower, while the GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 530 hp. All engines included a mild-hybrid system for improved efficiency. The V8, with its flat-plane crankshaft, offered a unique driving experience, combining power with a relaxed demeanor. The optional air suspension enhanced ride comfort, though the GLE wasn't as sporty as some competitors. The GLE 500e 4Matic plug-in hybrid offered 429 hp, while the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid and AMG GLE 63 S delivered even more power, with 577 hp and 603 hp, respectively.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail required some effort to enter, especially for shorter individuals, but once inside, the power-adjustable front seats provided comfort with heating and ventilation. The Luxury trim offered real leather and massaging front seats. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, providing more cargo space with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 90.5 cubic feet. The second-row bench seat accommodated three teenagers, though the cushion and backrest angle weren't ideal for adults. Storage space was limited, with small door trays and bins. The load height was high, and the bumper protruded, making it useful for stepping on but potentially soiling clothes.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two- and three-row options, with the third row being a tight fit. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, providing class-competitive first-row headroom but limited legroom. Heated power front seats with lumbar support were standard, with ventilation and massage available. Second-row headroom and legroom were generous, and a panoramic glass roof was standard on SUV models. The GLE Coupe had reduced rear-seat headroom and cargo space. The GLE SUV offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GLE's towing capacity remained at 7,700 pounds.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display with configurable data panels for off-roading and trailering information. A 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was user-friendly but had contrast issues in daytime mode. The system couldn't display multiple menus simultaneously, but a shortcut menu provided quick access to features. The Lexus Interface included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with Drive Connect offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and a head-up display was optional. The GX 550 Overtrail had a panoramic-view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button was poorly placed.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE introduced the Superscreen display, consisting of three 12.3-inch screens. The MBUX infotainment system ran on the new MB.OS operating system, with AI-enhanced voice assistance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were retained. The augmented-reality head-up display projected navigation arrows, and an inward-facing camera enabled videoconferencing. A 15-speaker Burmester audio system was standard on most models. While the new features added flexibility, they didn't significantly improve the user experience compared to the previous MBUX system.

The 2026 Lexus GX came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package. This included high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan. The PDA system was helpful but could be uncomfortable due to automated braking. Lane-centering assist required manual overrides in curves, and adaptive cruise control braking was not always smooth. Safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard driver-assistance features like lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. A parking-assist system and surround-view camera were available. The GLE's sensor suite supported advanced driver-assistance systems, and the headlights could be programmed for adaptive high beams. The structurally identical 2026 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system minimized injury potential in collisions, and Pre-Safe Sound protected against hearing loss.