2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the cabin was high-tech but cluttered, with a busy center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered various trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features like ambient lighting, upgraded audio systems, and heated seats. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, included luxurious massaging seats and a top-end sound system, enhancing comfort and driving pleasure.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, redesigned in 2024, maintained a distinctive look with a rounded profile and wide stance. The GLE's styling, though not the most handsome, adhered to Mercedes' brand identity. New paint colors and interior options were available, offering personalization through the Manufaktur division. The interior featured upscale elements like chunky air vents and ambient lighting, creating a special atmosphere. Despite its bulkier design, the GLE's interior was spacious and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and style.

The 2024 Acura MDX came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The Type-S variant featured a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo brakes enhancing performance. The MDX could tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 horsepower, while the GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 horsepower. AMG models like the GLE 63 S 4Matic+ delivered up to 603 horsepower. Despite impressive power, the GLE felt larger and less nimble, with adaptive air suspension and active anti-roll systems unable to fully mitigate its size.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows being comfortable and supportive, while the third row was smaller and suited for children. Cargo space was 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The MDX featured a power liftgate and ample storage, though the center console controls were cluttered and unintuitive.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, with generous second-row space. Cargo capacity was 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The GLE's center console provided reasonable storage, and its towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds. Despite its size, the GLE offered a luxurious and spacious interior.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a clumsy interface controlled by a touchpad rather than a touchscreen. However, it included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Clever placement of charging ports and a digital instrument panel were positives, but the system's complexity detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, with multiple control options including voice recognition. The MBUX system integrated wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional AMG settings for performance models. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the driving experience, though the interface could be overwhelming.

The 2024 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Technology and Advance Packages added parking sensors and a 360-degree camera. The MDX earned top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, though the infotainment system posed a distraction risk.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring, with additional options in the Driver Assistance Package. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though its front-crash prevention ratings were mixed. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2025 model.