2025 Acura MDX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Acura made subtle yet effective styling updates to the 2025 MDX, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights. These changes enhanced the SUV's sporty and performance-oriented versions, giving them a more commanding presence. The interior saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and adding more storage space. The seats from the MDX Type S model were made available in the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with additional sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a luxurious and well-crafted interior, featuring matte-finish wood, metallic accents, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The GLE 450 model, equipped with the Exclusive Package and Manufaktur Edition Package, boasted Nappa premium leather and a panoramic sunroof. While the exterior design was considered bland, the interior was praised for its elegance and comfort. The GLE's seating was firm yet comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and ample legroom in the back. However, the seating position in the rear was noted to be low relative to the window sills, which could affect passenger comfort.

The 2025 Acura MDX was known for its performance-oriented design, particularly in the A-Spec and Type S models. The Type S featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered a range of driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual, with the Sport mode providing the best powertrain response. The SUV's handling was smooth and predictable, making it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. However, fuel economy was a concern, with the A-Spec Advance averaging 18.4 mpg in testing.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, generating 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE was equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual driving modes. The GLE 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and was equipped with off-road features like Downhill Speed Regulation and a "transparent hood" camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed too much body motion, affecting the driving experience. The steering was numb and overassisted in Comfort mode, while the brakes felt grabby in typical driving situations. Despite these issues, the GLE was a comfortable long-distance road tripper, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered a comfortable and versatile interior, with 16-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with the option to remove the center section for easier access to the third row. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space and comfort. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 71.4 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured firm yet comfortable front seats with heating and "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The back seat offered generous legroom and headroom, though the seating position was low relative to the window sills. A third-row seat was available as an option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C charging ports. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, and a large spare tire under the load floor.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, eliminating the previous touchpad interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The MDX featured Bang & Olufsen audio systems with up to 31 speakers, and a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display with two themes. A 10.5-inch head-up display provided comprehensive data, though it lacked blind-spot monitoring alerts. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance included a surround-view camera system for easier parking.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The system offered lush graphics, a biometric authentication system, and a digital voice assistant. The Exclusive Package added a Burmester surround-sound audio system, Dolby Atmos technology, and an augmented-reality video function for navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and one year of complimentary access to Mercedes Digital Extras.

The 2025 Acura MDX came with the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The MDX Technology added front and rear parking sensors and a low-speed automatic braking system. AcuraWatch 360, exclusive to the MDX Type S Advance, included front cross-traffic alert, evasive steering warning, and active lane-change assist. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. The 2024 MDX earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The GLE's Active Emergency Stop Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was a source of frustration, and the automated lane-change assist function was inconsistent. The GLE received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2025, but the NHTSA had not yet rated it.