2024 Buick Envista vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path. Its sloping roofline gave it a "crossover coupe" appearance, reminiscent of more upscale models like the BMW X4 and X6. Although a more traditional roofline might have enhanced rear visibility, the design was deemed acceptable. The coupe-like silhouette was paired with a new front-end design inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featuring a split lighting arrangement with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights, which were integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from models like the Envision and Encore GX, which adopted this styling as part of mid-cycle updates.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted for 2024, maintained a unique identity among Mercedes SUVs. It shared some visual heft with the GLS, GLC, and GLB classes but boasted a more rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The GLE's design featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille, contrasted by sharply tapering side glass and a rakish windshield. While the standard GLE SUV's proportions appeared somewhat awkward, the styling adhered closely to Mercedes' brand identity. For 2025, buyers could choose from new paint colors curated by Mercedes' Manufaktur division, and Manufaktur interiors became available across all GLE models, offering a range of luxurious Nappa leather options.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This powertrain, shared with the Trax, delivered a surprisingly refined performance, offering smooth power delivery akin to larger engines. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, distinguishing it from the Encore GX. The Envista featured a torsion-beam rear suspension on base models, while models with 19-inch wheels boasted a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension for improved ride quality. The suspension was tuned to minimize road noise, enhancing the premium feel of the vehicle.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four engine with electric assist, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, along with an EPA-rated 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine with 510 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models offered even more power, with the latter producing 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE's size and weight made it less nimble than some competitors.

The 2024 Buick Envista was 14.2 inches longer than the outgoing Buick Encore, with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch. This increase in size translated to more interior space, with rear-seat legroom growing by three inches and shoulder room increasing by about two inches in both rows. However, the coupe-like design resulted in slightly reduced headroom, particularly for second-row passengers. The seats were comfortable for the price point, and the car-like design provided good outward visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the Trax and other competitors.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered both two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although third-row space specs were not published. The GLE provided competitive headroom and slightly more second-row legroom than rivals like the BMW X5 and Lexus RX. Cargo space was competitive, with 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GLE's center console offered reasonable storage space, and the vehicle had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, with retained buttons and knobs for climate control and audio volume. However, the center stack's tilt toward the driver made controls less accessible for the front-seat passenger. Optional tech features were limited, with wireless phone charging available on all but the top Avenir trim.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a seamless horizontal display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and multiple access methods, including a center-console touchpad and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness. Some models also had off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert, mirroring the Chevy Trax's safety offerings.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and expanded driver-monitoring capabilities. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.