2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed with a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from typical cars, featuring an abundance of charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body. While some might have found this excessive, the overall design was appealing, with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted sides. The interior of the CX-30 felt luxurious, with a style and refinement that rivaled entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its 2024 facelift, maintained a unique identity among Mercedes SUVs. It had a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a wide stance. The GLE's styling, though not the most handsome, adhered to the brand's design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes. The interior offered new personalization options, with Manufaktur interiors available across all models, featuring Nappa leather in vibrant colors like Carmine Red and Yacht Blue. The GLE's interior was upscale, with features like ambient lighting and a premium audio system enhancing its luxurious feel.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, creating a sensation akin to surfing. The six-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly, and the standard all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was less impressive, with an observed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The CX-30 was nimble and fun to drive, offering excellent visibility and a firm ride, though it felt slightly soft on winding roads.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 510 hp. The AMG models, GLE 53 and GLE 63 S, offered even more power, with the latter reaching 603 hp. The GLE 63 S delivered thrilling acceleration and a classic V8 soundtrack, though the SUV felt larger than it was, making it less nimble in tight spaces.

Inside the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the design was marked by quality materials and logical controls. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a splash of color. While the front seats were comfortable and heated, the rear seat space was cramped. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing practical, if limited, storage options.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The front seats offered a high seating position, but visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in many competitors, with ample headroom and legroom. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The SUV also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, making it a capable workhorse.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the screen was far from the driver, it offered touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring. Mazda's system relied on steering wheel, center console, and voice controls, though the voice recognition was limited. The CX-30 included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and new USB-C ports for connectivity.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a seamless display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods, including a touchpad and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Some models included off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 prioritized safety with new standard features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It also included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights and parking sensors. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.