Both the SUVs examined here are powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While the Mercedes has less power on paper, once we got both cars on the road it felt like the more flashy option. The Mercedes is also based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, which likely contributes to its more fun-to-drive nature relative to the front-wheel-drive-based Lexus. That said, the Lexus is not without its advantages.
For starters, it’s a lot kinder to your wallet. The Lexus starts at about $7,000 less than the Mercedes, and the latter offers loads of features, almost all of them optional extras that can get pricey. Compared to the previous RX, Lexus is also a big leap forward in terms of technology, utility and comfort. The interior is a comfortable place to live with supportive seats, premium-feeling materials and a suite of tech features that finally feel up to date. Lexus also got rid of its much-hyped trackpad-like infotainment controller in favor of a touchscreen setup – a change we have to highlight because it seriously improves the user experience of this car.
In the end, we had a clear winner, but both cars are totally worthy of a serious look if you’re interested in a new luxury SUV. Which one wins your heart will depend on what you want from him.