2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented a bold step for Mazda, moving closer to luxury brands with its elegant design and high-quality materials. It borrowed the sleek design language from its smaller siblings, the CX-30 and CX-5, and expanded it into a more imposing form. The CX-90's exterior featured a large grille, wide front end, and substantial wheels, all accentuated by tasteful chrome trim, creating an elegant yet commanding presence. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that rivaled luxury competitors, with brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic, offering a sophisticated and refined atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE maintained its distinctive Mercedes identity with a design that balanced visual bulk and a rounded profile. The GLE's styling, while not the most handsome in the lineup, adhered closely to the brand's aesthetic, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes. The 2025 model introduced new paint colors and interior options, enhancing personalization. The interior featured upscale elements like Nappa leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a high-tech feel, although the proportions and styling choices were not universally praised.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a turbocharged inline-six engine. The Turbo S model delivered 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering a thrilling driving experience with a distinctive exhaust note. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90's handling impressed, feeling agile and composed through corners, thanks to its double-wishbone front suspension and precise steering.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 started with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 horsepower, while the AMG GLE 63 S boasted a 603-horsepower V8. The GLE's performance was robust, especially in AMG form, but it felt larger and less nimble than competitors. Despite advanced features like adaptive air suspension, the GLE struggled with maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 provided various seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers. Cargo space was competitive, with up to 75.2 cubic feet available. The interior featured clever storage solutions and high-quality materials, ensuring comfort despite slightly less space compared to some rivals.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered two-row and three-row configurations, with competitive cargo space of 74.9 cubic feet when seats were folded. The GLE excelled in second-row legroom but had limited visibility from the high seating position. The interior was well-appointed, with ample storage and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.

Mazda's CX-90 focused on reducing distractions with a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was safety, the system's quirks could be distracting. However, personalization features and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with touchscreen functionality, were highlights.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens with the MBUX system, offering multiple control options. While potentially confusing, the voice recognition system was effective. AMG models included additional drive modes and off-road displays, enhancing versatility.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came standard with i-Activsense, offering comprehensive ADAS features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. Although not yet crash-tested, it was expected to perform well based on previous models.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE included standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added advanced capabilities. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though some crash prevention ratings were less than perfect.