2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, with its recent facelift, retained a distinctive design that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights that gave it a wide stance. The GLE's styling, while not the most handsome in the lineup, adhered closely to the brand's design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a Mercedes. The interior offered a luxurious feel with new color options and Nappa leather upholstery, complemented by upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV appearance with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a premium look. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Despite some ergonomic issues, the CX-90's interior felt upscale, offering a sophisticated experience compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG options. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 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 featured a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp and 538 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models delivered 429 hp and 603 hp, respectively, with impressive acceleration times. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo's drivetrain, while powerful, lacked refinement. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with the Turbo S variant offering 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-90's ride and handling impressed, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. The CX-90's suspension provided a firm and communicative ride, but drivetrain noise and impact harshness detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations. While Mercedes didn't publish third-row space specs, the GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row space than most rivals. The GLE provided 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 74.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. The GLE's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite its stylish design, struggled with climate control efficiency. The three-zone climate control system took time to cool the cabin, and front-seat ventilation was less effective. The CX-90 offered Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, but the long rear doors made loading children challenging. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children. Cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road features included a dashboard display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring console controls. The CX-90's voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of 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 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech received mixed ratings.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trim levels added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, though some features, like speed reduction, could be irritating.