2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE exhibited subtle yet impactful aesthetic changes. Its sharper headlights and taillights, along with black fender flares over the wheel arches, added a touch of modernity. The grille, enhanced with chrome inserts, contributed to its refined appearance. The optional AMG Line package further elevated its sportiness, complemented by the choice of 19-inch standard wheels or optional 21-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin maintained the classic Mercedes-Benz elegance, with leather and soft-touch surfaces. However, the combination of open-pore walnut trim and Bahia Brown seating in our tester gave it a dated look, reminiscent of a 1970s wood-paneled rec room. Opting for lighter leather could have improved the interior's appeal.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—offered a range of trim levels, with pricing from $39,575 to $59,480. Our 3.3 Turbo test vehicle, in Premium Plus trim with Soul Red paint, was priced at $51,450. Its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels gave it a luxury SUV appearance. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90's interior exuded elegance with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the CX-90's sophisticated design and upscale feel set it apart from mainstream midsize SUVs.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of powertrains, including the entry-level GLE 350 with 255 horsepower, the mid-line GLE 450 with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, and the top-tier 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580. Our test vehicle, the 450e, featured a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-liter turbo inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque in hybrid mode. Despite its power, the 450e was about a half-second slower to 60 mph than the GLE 450 due to the weight of its 23.3-kWh battery. The battery allowed for an impressive 48 miles of all-electric range, with our test showing 55 miles. The 450e defaulted to all-electric mode on startup, with seamless transitions to the gas engine. While the Sport mode didn't enhance driving dynamics significantly, the 450e provided a comfortable commute. The 11-kW onboard charger enabled a full charge in under three hours on a Level 2 home charger, and it could accept a 60-kW DC fast charge for road trips.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with 340 hp on premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. However, our test observed 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Noise and impact harshness further detracted from the experience. Despite these issues, the CX-90's suspension provided a dynamic driving experience, especially in Normal mode.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e compensated for its lack of driving dynamics with luxurious interior features. Standard heated front seats were enhanced with ventilation and massage functions in our tester. Heated and cooled cup holders, customizable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and soft-close doors added to the comfort. The cabin remained quiet even on noisy highways, and the Burmester stereo system provided an exceptional audio experience. However, the non-extending sun visors were a notable omission. The GLE-Class could tow 7,700 pounds and featured Trailer Maneuvering Assist for easier trailer handling. Cargo space was ample, with 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. Once cooled, the front seats offered comfort on long trips. A panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The CX-90's long rear doors facilitated third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the center armrest, and minimal door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a 12.3-inch digital customizable gauge cluster and the latest MBUX infotainment system. While the 12.3-inch screen was smaller than those in other Mercedes models, it was user-friendly, with a touchpad on the center console and voice control via "Hey, Mercedes." The augmented reality navigation system provided helpful overlays, and the off-road page offered detailed information. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, but connectivity issues with our iPhone were noted. USB-C ports provided ample charging options.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the screen was touch-sensitive only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using the center console knob and buttons. Mazda's voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle's 12-speaker Bose audio system delivered a satisfying listening experience, and the Active Driving Display provided helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system offered visual alerts.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered advanced driver aids, with blind-spot monitoring as standard. The optional Driver Assistance Package Plus added active blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, and lane-change assist. The GLE received a five-star side crash rating and a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it top scores in crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and seat belts and child restraints, with an "Acceptable" headlight rating for cars with the Digital Light package.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV variant. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some limitations. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, but the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.