2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs 2026 Lexus TX

$61,850 · Crossover

$55,640 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class embodies refined luxury, while the 2026 Lexus TX bursts onto the scene offering more power and size for less cash. The Mercedes commands attention with its pedigree, though its standard 255 hp feels modest next to the Lexus's 275 hp from the TX. The GLE-Class has a higher entry price point at $61,850 compared to the TX's $55,640, representing a significant $6,210 saving if you opt for Lexus. While both offer a respectable 23 MPG combined, the GLE-Class boasts a slightly better highway figure of 28 MPG versus the TX's 27 MPG. Physically, the Lexus TX dominates in footprint, measuring 203.1 inches long, dwarfing the GLE's 194.3-inch length, yet the Mercedes maintains a commanding 33.3 cu ft of cargo space compared to the TX's 20.2 cu ft, suggesting superior packaging efficiency for the premium brand.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The Mercedes GLE-Class offers better highway fuel economy at 28 MPG and a more traditionally premium, rear-wheel-drive setup favored by many daily drivers.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus TX

The 2026 Lexus TX is significantly longer at 203.1 inches and offers a lower starting price, making it potentially better for large family hauling within a budget.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus TX

The Lexus TX generates more peak power with 275 hp and higher torque at 317 lb-ft, suggesting a livelier acceleration feel despite both requiring premium fuel.

💰 Best Value

2026 Lexus TX

The Lexus TX starts $6,210 less expensive while delivering 20 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque than the Mercedes GLE-Class.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...

You prioritize the prestige and engineering refinement associated with the Mercedes-Benz badge.
You desire slightly superior fuel economy on the highway, achieving 28 MPG.
You prefer the balanced handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive architecture.

Choose the Lexus TX if...

Maximizing horsepower output is critical, as the TX offers 275 hp versus the GLE's 255 hp.
You need the lowest entry price point available between these two models, saving $6,210.
You require maximum exterior length for presence, as the TX measures 203.1 inches long.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 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	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Lexus
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	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

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

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class significantly more powerful than the 2026 Lexus TX?

No, the 2026 Lexus TX actually holds a horsepower advantage with 275 hp compared to the GLE-Class's 255 hp, and it also boasts superior torque at 317 lb-ft versus 295 lb-ft.

How do the fuel economy ratings compare between these two premium crossovers?

Both vehicles share an identical combined rating of 23 MPG, but the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class edges out the Lexus TX slightly in highway driving, achieving 28 MPG compared to the TX's 27 MPG.

Which vehicle offers better utility based on the provided cargo figures?

Surprisingly, the smaller 194.3-inch Mercedes GLE-Class is quoted with significantly more cargo capacity at 33.3 cubic feet, dwarfing the 20.2 cubic feet offered by the longer 203.1-inch Lexus TX.

Since both require premium fuel, which one presents a lower initial purchase hurdle?

The 2026 Lexus TX is the clearer value choice upfront, starting at an MSRP of $55,640, which is $6,210 less than the GLE-Class starting MSRP of $61,850.

What is the main difference in the drivetrain setup between the two models?

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class utilizes a traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration, whereas the standard 2026 Lexus TX employs a front-wheel-drive setup, which affects overall driving dynamics.

Does the transmission technology favor one vehicle over the other?

The Mercedes GLE-Class features a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, giving it one extra gear ratio compared to the 8-speed automatic transmission found in the Lexus TX.