2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured subtle yet impactful aesthetic updates. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares, added a refined touch. The grille, enhanced with chrome inserts, contributed to its sophisticated appearance. The optional AMG Line package further elevated its sporty look, complemented by standard 19-inch wheels, with an option for 21-inch. Inside, the cabin exuded classic Mercedes-Benz luxury, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating gave it a dated feel, reminiscent of a 1970s rec room.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 stood out with its elegant curves, maintaining its appeal since its 2017 design. Its graceful styling made it comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The interior impressed with high-quality materials and a blend of analog and digital elements. While it lacked a large touchscreen, the physical controls enhanced usability. The CX-5's interior, with soft-touch materials and sturdy plastics, evoked a sense of luxury akin to older Acura or Lexus models, making it feel special among its peers.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of engines, including the GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, and the GLE 580 with a 4.0-liter V8. The 450e plug-in hybrid, however, was the highlight, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite being slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to its battery weight, it impressed with a 55-mile electric range. The transition from electric to gas was seamless, though its driving dynamics were less sporty compared to rivals like the BMW X5 xDrive50e. The 450e featured an 11-kW onboard charger and could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version with 256 horsepower. The turbo model accelerated to 60 mph in about 6 seconds, making it one of the quicker options in its class. The CX-5 excelled in handling, with AWD and a suspension that minimized body roll, providing a sporty driving experience. While the ride was firmer, it remained comfortable, and the quiet cabin reduced fatigue on long journeys.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in interior luxury, with standard heated front seats and optional ventilation and massage functions. Heated and cooled cup holders, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof added to its appeal. The GLE could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist. Cargo space was generous, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5, while stylish, offered less practicality. Rear headroom was adequate, but competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage provided more space. Cargo capacity was 30.8 cubic feet, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-5 featured a power liftgate on most trims and convenient latches for folding the rear seats. Storage for smaller items was moderate, with a wireless charging pad available on midlevel trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and MBUX infotainment system. While the screen was smaller than some rivals, it was user-friendly, with voice control and a touchpad. Augmented reality navigation and an off-road page added functionality. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though connectivity issues were noted.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display controlled by a center console dial. The system was intuitive, with logical menus and easy operation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless capability on higher trims. While analog gauges felt dated, a head-up display was standard on Premium Plus trims and above. The audio system ranged from a basic four-speaker setup to a 10-speaker Bose system on top trims.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with standard blind-spot monitoring and optional features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. It received a five-star side crash rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for models with the Digital Light package.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, which received four stars. It was awarded "Good" ratings by IIHS and a Top Safety Pick for 2023. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added features like adaptive headlights and a surround-view camera system.