Compare the2024 Mercedes GLEVS 2023 Mazda CX-9

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
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 Mazda CX-9 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row 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 CX-9 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Mercedes GLE has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-9 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 CX-9 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.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the GLE’s standard Downhill Speed Regulation allows you to creep down safely. The CX-9 doesn’t offer Downhill Speed Regulation.

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 CX-9 doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from other vehicles.

Both the GLE and CX-9 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 CX-9’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Compared to metal, the GLE’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda CX-9 has a metal gas tank.

Both the GLE and the CX-9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, 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 507 to 1345 pounds more than the Mazda CX-9. 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 Mazda CX-9:

	GLE	CX-9
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	84	212
Neck Injury Risk	24%	26%
Neck Stress	208 lbs.	309 lbs.
Neck Compression	17 lbs.	51 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	301/184 lbs.	107/424 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	209	337
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	31%	40%
Neck Stress	125 lbs.	183 lbs.
Neck Compression	31 lbs.	165 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 Mazda CX-9:

	GLE	CX-9
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	40	88
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	208
Spine Acceleration	40 G’s	54 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	15 inches
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	35 G’s

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 CX-9 has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

The GLE comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-9’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

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 Mazda vehicles. With 2 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Mazda.

Engine

The GLE 350’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 5 more horsepower (255 vs. 250) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLE 450’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 112 more horsepower (362 vs. 250) and 49 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 320) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLE 450e’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 131 more horsepower (381 vs. 250) and 159 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 320) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The GLE 580’s standard 4.0 turbo V8 hybrid produces 260 more horsepower (510 vs. 250) and 218 lbs.-ft. more torque (538 vs. 320) than the CX-9’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the GLE 450 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Mazda CX-9:

	GLE	CX-9
Zero to 30 MPH	1.9 sec	2.5 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.3 sec	7.3 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	13.9 sec	20.6 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6 sec	8.1 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.2 sec	3.6 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.3 sec	5 sec
Quarter Mile	13.9 sec	15.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100 MPH	88 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the GLE 350 4MATIC running its gasoline engine gets better fuel mileage than the CX-9 (21 city/28 hwy vs. 20 city/26 hwy).

The GLE 450e can travel with zero emissions for 48 miles. The CX-9 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 CX-9 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the GLE’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CX-9 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The GLE’s standard fuel tank has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-9 (22.5 vs. 19.5 gallons).

Transmission

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes GLE, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-9.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GLE’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-9:

	GLE 350	GLE 450e	CX-9
Front Rotors	13 inches	15.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	12.8 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 CX-9 are solid, not vented.

The GLE stops much shorter than the CX-9:

	GLE	CX-9
70 to 0 MPH	174 feet	183 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	130 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	138 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GLE 580’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-9 (F:285/40R22 & R:325/35R22 vs. 255/60R18).

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 CX-9 Touring’s standard 60 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 CX-9 Touring Plus/Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature’s 50 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GLE has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the CX-9 Touring. The GLE 580’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the CX-9 Touring Plus/Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature.

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 CX-9 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. Mazda doesn’t offer an active suspension on the CX-9.

The GLE offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The CX-9’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

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 CX-9 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 CX-9 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GLE’s wheelbase is 2.6 inches longer than on the CX-9 (117.9 inches vs. 115.3 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GLE is .3 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-9.

The GLE 450 handles at .84 G’s, while the CX-9 Signature pulls only .80 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 CX-9 Touring (27 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 27.6 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GLE Airmatic has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-9 (9.2 vs. 8.8 inches), allowing the GLE to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The GLE is 5.1 inches shorter than the CX-9, making the GLE easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the GLE 450 is quieter than the CX-9 Signature:

	GLE	CX-9
At idle	38 dB	38 dB
Full-Throttle	70 dB	73 dB
70 MPH Cruising	63 dB	66 dB

Passenger Space

The GLE has 1.2 inches more front headroom, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear legroom and .2 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-9.

Cargo Capacity

The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-9 with its rear seat up (33.3 vs. 14.4 cubic feet). The GLE has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-9 with its rear seat folded (74.9 vs. 71.2 cubic feet).

A control in the cargo area automatically lowers the GLE’s second row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CX-9 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the GLE. The CX-9 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The GLE’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the CX-9’s (7700 vs. 3500 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The GLE uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-9 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the GLE is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the CX-9. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat in the CX-9 Touring Plus/Carbon Edition/Grand Touring/Signature, 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 standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-9 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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 CX-9 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the GLE and the CX-9 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the GLE is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-9 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the GLE the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-9 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

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. Advanced Keyless Entry and Start standard on the CX-9 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 power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-9’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

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 CX-9 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

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 CX-9 doesn’t offer secondary sun visors.

When the GLE is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The CX-9’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

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 CX-9 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 CX-9.

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 CX-9 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 CX-9 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 CX-9 is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

The GLE will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the GLE will retain 49.45% to 53.48% of its original price after five years, while the CX-9 only retains 47.66% to 48.67%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the GLE is less expensive to operate than the CX-9 because typical repairs cost much less on the GLE than the CX-9, including $214 less for a water pump, $13 less for a fuel pump and $747 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

The Mercedes GLE outsold the Mazda CX-9 by over three to one during 2023.