2025 Lexus TX vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

$55,140 · Crossover

$62,250 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle for luxury crossover supremacy pits the commanding presence of the 2025 Lexus TX against the refined agility of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Lexus TX immediately grabs attention with its larger footprint, measuring 203.1 inches long, positioning it as the more cavernous option, though it offers less standard cargo space at 20.2 cu ft compared to the GLE's substantial 33.3 cu ft. Power-wise, the TX holds a slight edge, boasting 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, slightly outpacing the GLE's 255 hp and 295 lb-ft. Both vehicles require premium fuel and deliver an identical 23 MPG combined rating. However, the Lexus starts at a significant $55,140, undercutting the Mercedes-Benz GLE by $7,110, making the initial buy-in considerably more accessible for its segment entry.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The Mercedes-Benz GLE, being physically smaller at 194.3 inches long and featuring a superior 9-speed shiftable automatic, offers potentially sharper handling for daily maneuvering.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE provides significantly more usable space for hauling gear and luggage, boasting 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Lexus TX's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Lexus TX

The 2025 Lexus TX delivers higher performance figures, generating 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, promising a more spirited drive than the GLE's 255 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus TX

The Lexus TX commands a significant advantage with an MSRP of $55,140, saving buyers $7,110 compared to the GLE’s starting price of $62,250.

Choose the Lexus TX if...

You prioritize outright power, as the TX provides 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
You need the absolute lowest entry price point for a luxury three-row contender at $55,140.
You prefer the driving dynamics associated with a Front Wheel Drive biased setup for stability.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE if...

Maximum utility is key, given the GLE’s superior 33.3 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You seek slightly better highway efficiency, as the GLE achieves 28 MPG highway versus the TX's 27 MPG.
You desire the enhanced engineering precision of a Rear Wheel Drive platform paired with a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus TX	Mercedes-Benz GLE
Length	203.1"	194.3"
Width	78.3"	76.7"
Height	70.1"	70.7"
Wheelbase	116.1"	117.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	275 hp @ 6000 rpm	255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	373.8/480.6 mi.	472.5/630.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Infotainment Display	14.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	6 months
Subwoofer Count	—	2

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Front Head Room	41.4 in.	40.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.6 in.	40.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.0 in.	59.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.5 in.	60.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	3
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	—	3

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	40.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	59.0 in.	58.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.8 in.	59.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/55R20	255/50R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Mercedes-Benz
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	6 yr./ 62000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus TX and 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Does the lower MSRP of the Lexus TX mean it sacrifices features compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE?

While the Lexus TX starts $7,110 cheaper at $55,140, the GLE commands a higher price despite having slightly less horsepower (255 hp vs. 275 hp). The GLE's higher base cost reflects its focus on different luxury attributes and its superior cargo volume of 33.3 cu ft.

Which vehicle is better suited for long highway trips based on efficiency?

Both vehicles have an identical combined MPG of 23, which is noteworthy considering they both require premium unleaded fuel. However, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE edges out the Lexus TX by achieving 28 MPG on the highway compared to the TX's 27 MPG.

How significant is the difference in size between the TX and the GLE?

The Lexus TX is substantially larger overall, measuring 203.1 inches long compared to the GLE's 194.3 inches. Despite its length advantage, the TX offers notably less cargo room (20.2 cu ft vs 33.3 cu ft), suggesting the GLE utilizes its footprint more effectively for storage.

Why might driving enthusiasts prefer the 2025 Lexus TX despite its FWD configuration?

Enthusiasts focused purely on raw output metrics will favor the TX because it delivers 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. This surpasses the GLE's 255 hp output, giving the Lexus a clear advantage in straight-line acceleration potential.

If I want the most refined transmission experience, which crossover should I choose?

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting more gear ratios for smoother operation than the 8-speed automatic found in the 2025 Lexus TX.

Are both models focused on premium fuel consumption?

Yes, both the 2025 Lexus TX and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE specifically mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance, aligning them in their fuel requirements.