2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS exuded a refined elegance that was characteristic of modern Mercedes design, with a subtle sensuality that, while bordering on the mundane, promised to age gracefully. Our GLS 450 test vehicle, adorned with striking 22-inch AMG rims, a new silver four-louver grille, polished metal accents, and a Twilight Blue paint finish, stood out as a counter-cultural statement against the prevailing trend of blacked-out aesthetics. Inside, the GLS 450 featured a sophisticated Bahia Brown over Black interior, complemented by natural-grain Grey Oak, contrast stitching, and polished aluminum accents, creating an inviting and luxurious environment.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its familiar design from its 2017 debut, yet it continued to look modern and appealing. Our test vehicle, the new-for-2024 Carbon Turbo trim, sported a Zircon Sand paint and exclusive Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. The CX-5's design was enhanced by gloss-black exterior detailing, and it offered a premium Rhodium White paint option. Mazda's improvements to the CX-5 included better fuel economy for the base engine, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in several trims, maintaining its status as an upscale crossover SUV at a mainstream price.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, providing smooth and swift acceleration. It reached 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, aided by a mild-hybrid system that added an instant 148 lb-ft of torque. The GLS 450 featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a variable 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, offering driving modes like Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. It boasted a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a combined fuel economy rating of 21 mpg, though our test yielded 19.9 mpg. The GLS 450's adaptive air suspension and massive tires contributed to its athleticism, while its brakes performed admirably in various conditions.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Carbon Turbo, when fueled with premium gas, produced 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas yielded 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 24 mpg combined and an observed 22.9 mpg. The CX-5's suspension improvements and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced its handling and ride quality. It offered a quiet highway experience, lively city handling, and stability on twisty roads. The CX-5 could tow up to 2,000 pounds and featured a decent 7.9 inches of ground clearance for off-road capability.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS, equipped with the AMG Line package, featured sportier styling but posed challenges with side sill trim during entry and exit. The front seats offered comfort with leather surfaces, heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The GLS provided excellent visibility and a new steering wheel design, though its touch-sensing controls were occasionally irritating. The Exclusive Trim Package added heated rear seats and a four-zone climate control system. The second-row captain’s chairs offered good thigh support, while the third-row seat was snug for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was practical, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 84.7 cubic feet.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 featured standard heated front seats, redesigned for comfort and support. The driver’s seat offered six-way power adjustment, while passengers could manually adjust seat height. Leather was standard on most trims, with premium Nappa leather on the 2.5 Turbo Signature. The CX-5's interior, though smaller, was comfortable for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful features like rear air conditioning vents. The cabin's design and quality rivaled luxury brands, and storage space was adequate. The CX-5 provided 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and a maximum of 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the latest MBUX infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch displays. The system offered improved graphics and themes, though touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and center console caused occasional frustration. Despite these issues, MBUX was intuitive, with natural voice recognition and augmented reality navigation. The Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos technology enhanced the audio experience.

Mazda's approach to infotainment in the 2024 CX-5 focused on traditional controls, with a 10.25-inch display and a console-mounted knob for navigation. While Mazda resisted touchscreens, it allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CX-5 offered wireless connectivity for these platforms and Mazda Connected Services for remote features. The Carbon Turbo trim included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, adding to the SUV's premium feel.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS came equipped with over 20 significant safety features, adjustable through MBUX. The advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) performed well, with subtle and smooth operation. The GLS handled various driving conditions with ease, though there was a single instance of lane-centering assist deactivation. Overall, the GLS's ADAS was outstanding.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included essential ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered additional safety features, though our Carbon Turbo test car lacked some upgrades. The standard ADAS performed well, with non-intrusive lane departure and lane-keeping systems. The CX-5 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.