2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its 2024 facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille that gave it a wide stance. The sharply tapering side glass and rakish windshield contributed to its unique proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. While not the most handsome in the lineup, its styling was unmistakably Mercedes, ensuring it wouldn't be confused with other brands. The GLE offered new personalization options, including four new paint colors and three interior color choices, enhancing its appeal. The interior, with its Yacht Blue option, felt upscale, featuring chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting that created a luxurious atmosphere.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was praised for its attractive design, standing out in the small SUV class with graceful curves rather than sharp angles. Despite not being redesigned since 2017, its timeless design could easily be mistaken for a luxury SUV. The interior impressed with high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional and modern elements. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, the physical buttons and knobs provided better usability. The CX-5's interior featured soft-touch materials and sturdy plastics, comparable to last-generation Acura or Lexus models, making it feel more special than its price suggested.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered six powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, offering 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. AMG models included the GLE 53 with 429 hp and the GLE 63 S with 603 hp, delivering impressive acceleration. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version with 256 hp and 320 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The base engine accelerated to 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the turbo model was quicker by two seconds. The CX-5 excelled in handling, offering sporty dynamics and confidence on winding roads. Its firmer ride quality was noticeable but not intrusive, and the quiet cabin minimized road noise, enhancing comfort on long journeys.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. It offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than rivals. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Its towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds. The center console offered reasonable storage, despite housing the infotainment touchpad.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, though it lagged in practicality. Rear headroom was adequate, but competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered more. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom compared to the RAV4 but fell short of the Honda CR-V and Sportage. Cargo space was 30.8 cubic feet, expanding to 58.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The power liftgate was standard on most trims, and small-item storage was decent, with cupholders and a center armrest bin.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a seamless display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods. Voice recognition simplified navigation, while AMG models offered additional drive modes and settings. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced its capabilities.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with 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 options on higher trims. The analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard on midrange trims. Audio systems ranged from a four-speaker setup to a 10-speaker Bose system, with remote vehicle monitoring available.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered numerous driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though front-crash prevention ratings were mixed.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover protection, which earned four stars. The 2024 model received a "Good" rating from the IIHS and a Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, and a driver attention monitor. The systems operated smoothly without false alarms.