Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. Lexus RX
Which is the better luxury SUV: the or the ? Short answer: It depends. But the good news is you鈥檝e already narrowed your choice down to a pair of very good used SUVs. The SUV you pick will depend on what鈥檚 most important to you, so runs through what you should keep in mind when you鈥檙e comparing the Mercedes with the Lexus.
The Mercedes will typically be more expensive than the Lexus
There are a lot of different trims and submodels to choose from and it can get confusing. But generally speaking, the Lexus RX will be less expensive than a comparable Mercedes-Benz GLE. How much cheaper? That depends on the trim, the vehicle鈥檚 mileage, and its condition.
For instance, a Lexus RX 350 will typically cost, on average, nearly $5,000 less than a Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 (both base trims)鈥攖his estimate excludes any additional charges such as government fees and taxes, financing, electronic filing, and emission testing. And the Lexus includes many more driver aids on its base trim than the Mercedes, including adaptive cruise control, a lane keeping system, and forward collision warning. To get most of those desirable driver aids on the GLE, you鈥檒l need to find one with the Driver Assistance Package Plus installed.
Both the Lexus and Mercedes-Benz are available as hybrids
But you鈥檒l have many more hybrid options with the Lexus than the Mercedes simply because it鈥檚 been on sale for longer. The GLE offered its first hybrid version, a plug-in hybrid, for the 2024 model year. ; it is its highest-ranked luxury hybrid SUV. But availability will be limited compared to the numerous hybrid options available with the Lexus RX.
And you can get a Lexus RX as both a .
How to understand the different Lexus and Mercedes-Benz trims
What鈥檚 the difference between a 350 and a 450h? How does a 450h+ fit into this? And what the heck is an AMG? It鈥檚 a lot to wrap your head around, but this is an easy(ish) way to keep it all straight.
For Lexus RX models:
The number (350, 450, etc.) represents the engine and transmission combination, called the powertrain. The higher the number, the more powerful the powertrain. Adding an 鈥渉鈥 to the number means it鈥檚 a hybrid. If there鈥檚 an 鈥渉鈥 and a 鈥+鈥 it鈥檚 a plug-in hybrid.
For Mercedes-Benz GLE models:
The number (350, 450, etc.) also represents the engine and transmission combination. Adding an 鈥渆鈥 to the end designates it as a plug-in hybrid. AMG models are sport-oriented and typically include a powerful engine along with aggressive suspension. Basically, if you want your luxury SUV to have some (OK, a lot of) bite to it, check out the AMG.
Recent redesigns to be aware of
The Lexus RX was fully redesigned for the 2023 model year and is quite a bit more modern than the SUV it replaced. For example, ts updated touchscreen infotainment system looks sleeker than the one you鈥檒l find in 2022 and older models.
The Mercedes-Benz GLE was last redesigned in 2020 and marked a significant improvement. The GLE is currently Edmunds鈥 top-rated midsize luxury SUV thanks in part to its impressive infotainment system, strong lineup of engines, and impressive interior design. Also new for the current generation is the ability to add a third row of seats, though you should note that drastically cuts into your cargo area. If you like the Lexus RX and wish it had a third row, you鈥檙e in luck: The and 450 L were available from 2018 through 2022 and feature a small third row.
Does the Lexus RX or Mercedes-Benz GLE have more cargo space?
2020 and newer Mercedes-Benz GLEs offer 33.3 cubic feet of space behind the second row. That鈥檚 just a bit above the 29.6 cubic feet offered by RXs 2023 and newer. But it鈥檚 when the seats are folded down that the GLE鈥檚 advantage becomes more clear. The GLE鈥檚 cargo area opens up to a whopping 74.9 cubic feet, compared to the 46.2 cubic feet offered by the RX.
The previous-generation Lexus RX (2016-22) offers less cargo space. With the seats up, it offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space and that expands to 33 cubic feet with all the seats folded down. That鈥檚 quite a bit less than the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which offers 38.2 cubic feet of room with the rear seats up and 80.3 cubic feet with them folded down.
Which SUV has a better interior?
With the caveat that personal taste applies here, it鈥檚 tough to beat the Mercedes-Benz GLE when it comes to interior quality. It鈥檚 not just looks (although that鈥檚 a strength); it鈥檚 also the impressive build quality and comfortable seats regardless of trim level.
That鈥檚 not to say the Lexus RX doesn鈥檛 have a nice interior鈥攊t does. The previous generation RX (2016-22) has a dated interior, but the seats (especially the front seats) are quite nice to sit in.
How do they drive?
There are a lot of different flavors between the Lexus RX and Mercedes-Benz GLE, but broadly speaking these are a pair of comfortable SUVs that are easy to drive on the highway and around town. If you鈥檙e looking for an extra-spicy SUV, definitely check out AMG versions of the GLE. The top-of-the-line AMG GLE 63 S includes a V8 engine good for 603 horsepower. But the RX is no slouch, and the base trim (350) has more horsepower than its Mercedes counterpart.
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