Compare the2022 Lexus RXVS 2021 Mercedes GLE

The Lexus RX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GLE doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The RX has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The GLE doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The RX offers optional Auto Brake that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The GLE doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The RX’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the GLE.

Both the RX and the GLE have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the RX 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than Mercedes covers the GLE. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the GLE ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The RX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the GLE’s (6 vs. 5 years).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RX’s reliability 73 points higher than the GLE.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the RX first among midsize premium suvs in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The GLE isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in reliability. Mercedes is ranked 20th.

As tested in Motor Trend the RX 350 3.5 DOHC V6 is faster than the GLE 350 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the RX gets better mileage than the GLE:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Lexus RX at emission levels ranging from “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Mercedes GLE is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

The RX 450h has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The GLE doesn’t offer a CVT.

The RX’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the GLE 350 are solid, not vented.

The RX stops shorter than the GLE:

The RX 350 handles at .79 G’s, while the GLE 350 4MATIC pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The RX 350 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.1 seconds quicker than the GLE 350 4MATIC (27.1 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.2 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RX’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the GLE’s (38.8 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RX has a greater minimum ground clearance than the GLE (8.2 vs. 7.9 inches), allowing the RX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Lexus RX may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 400 pounds less than the Mercedes GLE.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the RX has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount. A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The GLE uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 28% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 6th.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the RX has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the GLE only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Insurance will cost less for the RX owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the RX with a number “5” insurance rate while the GLE is rated higher at a number “8” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the RX is less expensive to operate than the GLE because it costs $155 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the RX than the GLE, including $180 less for a muffler, $112 less for front brake pads, $276 less for fuel injection, $96 less for a fuel pump and $336 less for front struts.

Consumer Reports® chose the Lexus RX as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mercedes GLE isn't recommended.

The Lexus RX outsold the Mercedes GLE by over two to one during 2020.