2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a range of ten versions, with prices spanning from $63,600 to $134,500, including a destination charge. Assembled in Alabama, the base model was the GLE 350 with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At the higher end, the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a hand-built twin-turbo V8 engine. Our focus was on the GLE 450, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid technology. The GLE 450e, a turbo-four plug-in hybrid, offered an estimated 49 miles of electric-only range. The GLE 450 came with standard all-wheel drive, except for the base GLE 350, and included the Exclusive Package and the Manufaktur Edition Package, priced at $79,100. The Manufaktur Edition added exclusive paint, 21-inch wheels, a Night Package, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather, and the Driver Assistance Package. Despite the Moonlight White Magno paint highlighting the GLE's styling, the interior was elegantly detailed with quality materials, featuring matte-finish wood, ambient lighting, and sophisticated digital displays. The climate controls were wisely separated from the touchscreen, and while the touch-sensing controls on the steering wheel worked well, the volume thumbwheel on the center console was preferred.

The 2026 Lexus NX, despite being in its second generation for a few years, maintained a fresh appearance with well-integrated styling elements like chunky fenders, LED daytime running lights, and the spindle grille. While not as classically handsome as some rivals, the NX's design was refined, with key elements carried over from the previous generation. For 2026, the NX was available in non-hybrid NX 350, hybrid NX 350h, and plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ specs, with various trim levels. The F Sport Handling grade added adaptive dampers and black 20-inch wheels. Lexus' bold styling didn't deter sales, but the base NX 350's interior didn't quite meet luxury expectations. The F Sport Handling test car's all-black interior felt similar to high-end Toyota RAV4 versions, with sport seats and aluminum pedals not compensating for the lack of luxury. The NX 350 Luxury grade offered leather upholstery and standard heated and ventilated front seats, while the NX 350 Premium trim included a power-adjustable steering column.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Off-Road, and Individual driving modes. Surprisingly capable off-road, the GLE 450 had a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It included Downhill Speed Regulation, an off-road data panel, and a "transparent hood" camera view. However, the standard suspension allowed too much body motion, feeling too soft in the city and unsettled on mountain roads. The steering was numb in Comfort mode and firmed up in Dynamic mode but remained unresponsive. The sport braking system performed well in spirited driving but felt grabby in typical situations. The automatic engine stop/start system caused delays in acceleration, and the transmission's downshifts were slow. Despite these issues, the GLE was a comfortable long-distance vehicle, achieving 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered various powertrain options, but the standard hardware in the NX 350 F Sport test car was underwhelming. The NX 350's turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, delivered to a standard all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine felt more suited to a pickup truck, with a coarse exhaust note and a lack of urgency. Lexus claimed a 6.6-second zero to 60 mph time, but the sluggish transmission made it difficult to achieve. The NX 350h hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid models seemed more appealing, with the NX 350h offering 240 hp and the NX 450h+ providing 304 hp. However, the F Sport Handling upgrade's adaptive dampers were too firm, resulting in uncomfortable ride quality and unengaging driving experience. The NX's steering was lifeless, and the ride quality didn't match Lexus' reputation for comfort and refinement.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a quiet cabin at freeway speeds, with firm yet comfortable front seats featuring "energizing seat kinetics" to reduce fatigue. The Exclusive Package added ventilated front seats, while the Manufaktur Edition Package upgraded to Nappa leather. The back seat was roomy but had a low seating position relative to the window sills, providing extra headroom and generous legroom. A third-row seat was an expensive option, adding two extra chairs with USB-C ports. The GLE provided thoughtful storage, with a power rear liftgate revealing 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 74.9 cubic feet with the back seat folded. The cargo area included a netted compartment, robust hooks, lighting, and a cargo cover, with a large spare tire and hidden storage under the load floor.

The 2026 Lexus NX offered competitive passenger space but with some compromises. Rear-seat headroom was comparable to rivals, but legroom was slightly less. Front-seat legroom was similar to the Audi and Mercedes, but the Acura offered more. The front seats felt constrained, with limited headroom and hindered outward visibility due to the deep dashboard and large mirrors. The rear window was small, but the digital rearview mirror helped. The F Sport Handling spec included sport seats with extra bolstering, which were comfortable but unnecessary given the NX's performance. Cargo space measured 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded, trailing competitors. The NX's 2,000-pound towing capacity was also below class-leading figures. However, the center-console cupholders were large, thanks to a small shifter.

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 setup was simple yet effective, with lush graphics and minimal reflections. A biometric authentication system loaded user profiles, and the digital voice assistant performed well, except for hospital searches. 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 Mercedes Digital Extras. The Exclusive Package also included Online Music Streaming with Apple Music integration.

The 2026 Lexus NX came with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen on base and Premium trims, while a 14-inch display was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. All models featured a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and six USB ports. Wireless charging, a head-up display, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system were available. Data connectivity packages required subscriptions after free trials. Drive Connect enabled cloud-based navigation, Remote Connect offered digital key functionality, and Safety Connect provided emergency assistance. The 14-inch touchscreen was well-placed but had room for improvement. The voice recognition system responded to commands but couldn't set specific temperatures or switch SiriusXM stations. The instrument cluster efficiently presented information, resembling analog displays from the 1990s.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE's standard safety tech was limited for a luxury SUV, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, safe-exit assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Pre-Safe Sound protected occupants' hearing during a collision. Parking aids included front and rear sensors, a surround-view camera, and a semi-automated parking system. The $1,950 Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and centering assist, evasive steering assist, and more. Active Emergency Stop Assist and a touch-sensing steering wheel were notable features. However, the route-based speed-adjustment feature was aggravating, and the automated lane-change assist was inconsistent. The GLE received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS but had low front-crash prevention ratings.

The 2026 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, left-turn oncoming vehicle detection, Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and traffic-sign recognition. Electronic door handles were linked to a Safe Exit Assist feature. Additional features included park assist, front cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The NX received a 2025 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, missing the Top Safety Pick+ due to an "Acceptable" score in the moderate overlap front crash test. The NHTSA hadn't published safety ratings for the NX.