2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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 GLE's styling, though not the most handsome, adhered closely to Mercedes' brand identity. New paint colors and interior options, including Nappa leather in vibrant shades, allowed buyers to personalize their GLE. The interior boasted upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a more understated appearance. Despite its exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers, the RX's design was unremarkable. The RX lineup included three models: RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power and efficiency levels. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, but its interior, while contemporary, had some ergonomic challenges. The RX provided ample space and comfort, with features like power-reclining rear seats and a panoramic sunroof enhancing the experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 255 hp. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 50 miles of electric range. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 510 hp. AMG models, like the GLE 53 and GLE 63 S, delivered impressive performance, with the latter's V8 producing 603 hp. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, making maneuverability a challenge.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included the RX 350h with 246 hp, the RX 450h+ PHEV with 304 hp, and the RX 500h with 366 hp. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, offered quick acceleration but sacrificed fuel efficiency. It featured advanced AWD and performance brakes, but its handling lacked communication, making it less rewarding to drive. The RX 500h's drivetrain was powerful, yet it experienced occasional hesitation, and its adaptive suspension didn't fully control body motions, affecting overall driving satisfaction.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, offering competitive space. The front seats were heavily bolstered, providing a sporty feel but making entry and exit challenging. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in many rivals, and the GLE offered 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. Its towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on comfort and practicality. The RX 500h's front seats were snug, and the climate system's fan was loud. Rear seats were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining features. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet. Interior storage was practical, though some compartments lacked lining, causing noise. The RX's cargo area was functional but limited for a midsize SUV.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured dual 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, with MBUX offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multiple access methods, including voice recognition, simplified use. AMG models added drive modes and off-road displays, enhancing versatility. The GLE's tech was comprehensive, though some features required attention while driving.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 14-inch touchscreen. While the infotainment system was advanced, steering wheel controls were distracting. The RX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloud-based navigation. The Mark Levinson audio system impressed, but occasional glitches occurred. The head-up display was helpful but smaller than competitors'.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE came with standard safety features like forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, though its front-crash prevention ratings varied.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering comprehensive ADAS features. Predictive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist enhanced safety, though some functions were intrusive. The RX earned a five-star NHTSA rating but received a Poor rating from IIHS for frontal-impact protection.