Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2024 Acura RDX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Mercedes GLE have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Acura RDX doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The GLE’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The RDX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The GLE offers optional Post-Collision Brake, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The RDX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The GLE has Car-to-X Communication, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The RDX doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the GLE and RDX have rear cross-traffic warning, but the GLE has Active Brake Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The RDX’s Rear Cross Traffic Monitor doesn’t automatically brake.

The GLE’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The RDX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the GLE and the RDX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available lane departure warning systems.

The Mercedes GLE weighs 858 to 1740 pounds more than the Acura RDX. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Acura RDX:

	GLE	RDX
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	84	300
Neck Injury Risk	24%	26%
Neck Stress	208 lbs.	262 lbs.
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	23 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/184 lbs.	328/464 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	209	353
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Compression	31 lbs.	84 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mercedes GLE is safer than the Acura RDX:

	GLE	RDX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	40	63
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	124
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	52 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	264	486
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	39 G’s
Hip Force	615 lbs.	704 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Mercedes GLE (only applies to vehicles with optional Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The RDX is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024, though it hasn’t yet been rated in the updated moderate overlap frontal test, a requirement for the “Top Safety Pick Plus” award.

Warranty

There are over 41 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Acura dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the GLE’s warranty.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. With 6 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Acura.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Acura With 49 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Acura.

Engine

The GLE 350’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 280) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 90 more horsepower (362 vs. 272) and 89 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 280) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLE 450e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 109 more horsepower (381 vs. 272) and 199 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 280) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLE 580’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 238 more horsepower (510 vs. 272) and 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 280) than the RDX’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLE is faster than the Acura RDX:

	GLE 450	GLE 450e	RDX
Zero to 60 MPH	5.6 sec	5.5 sec	7.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.2 sec	14 sec	15.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	97.4 MPH	98.2 MPH	90.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLE running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the RDX:

			MPG
GLE
	AWD	350 2.0 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	21 city/28 hwy
RDX
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/27 hwy
		A-Spec 2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/26 hwy

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions for 48 miles. The RDX can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the GLE’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The RDX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The GLE’s standard fuel tank has 5.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the RDX (22.5 vs. 17.1 gallons).

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLE’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RDX:

	GLE 350	GLE 450e	RDX
Front Rotors	13 inches	15.7 inches	12.4 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	12.2 inches

The GLE 450/580’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the RDX are solid, not vented.

The GLE stops much shorter than the RDX:

	GLE	RDX
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	180 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	133 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE has larger standard tires than the RDX (255/50R19 vs. 235/55R19). The GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RDX (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 255/45R20).

The GLE’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RDX’s standard 55 series tires. The GLE 580’s optional 285/40R22 front and 325/35R22 rear tires have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile than the RDX A-Spec’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE 580 offers optional 22-inch wheels. The RDX’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLE can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The RDX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The GLE 450 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Acura doesn’t offer an active suspension on the RDX.

The GLE has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The GLE’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The RDX doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GLE’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The RDX doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 9.6 inches longer than on the RDX (117.9 inches vs. 108.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLE is 1.4 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than on the RDX.

The GLE’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (53.5% to 46.5%) than the RDX’s (57% to 43%). This gives the GLE more stable handling and braking.

The GLE 450 handles at .84 G’s, while the RDX A-Spec pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The GLE 450 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the RDX (27 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLE Airmatic has a greater minimum ground clearance than the RDX (9.2 vs. 8.2 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The GLE offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the RDX can only carry 5.

The GLE has .9 inches more front headroom, 2.5 inches more rear legroom and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the RDX.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GLE’s middle row seats recline. The RDX’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume than the RDX with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 31.1 cubic feet).

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the RDX’s (7700 vs. 1500 pounds).

Optional Trailer Stability Assist on the GLE uses the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The RDX doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the GLE is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the RDX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RDX, the GLE has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The GLE’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The RDX does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GLE’s standard Keyless-Go allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Entry standard on the RDX doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The GLE’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The RDX’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the GLE to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RDX doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the GLE offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The RDX doesn’t offer cornering lights. The GLE also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

To better shield the driver and front passenger’s vision, the GLE has standard dual-element sun visors that can block glare from two directions simultaneously. The RDX doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the GLE to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The RDX doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The GLE’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The RDX has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The GLE offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RDX.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes GLE has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the RDX.

The GLE offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The RDX doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLE’s Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The RDX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the GLE owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the GLE with a number “8” insurance rate while the RDX is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLE is less expensive to operate than the RDX because typical repairs cost less on the GLE than the RDX, including $75 less for front brake pads and $10 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

The Mercedes GLE outsold the Acura RDX by 47% during 2023.