2027 Lexus RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: We Compared the Data
By the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team · Updated November 8, 2026 · how we score
Our pick: the GLE — it leads our weighted scorecard 2–1.5 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (603 hp vs 366 hp) and more towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 3,500 lb). Choose the RX if you'll sell in about five years (58.3% vs 41.8% of value retained).
Scorecard: RX 1.5 pts · GLE 2 pts across 4 scored categories.
The scorecard
| Category (weight) | 2027 RX | 2027 GLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2) | $53,900 | — | No data |
| 5-year value retained (1.5) | 58.3% | 41.8% | RX |
| Best EPA combined (1.5) | 36 mpg | — | No data |
| Most horsepower available (1) | 366 hp | 603 hp | GLE |
| Max towing (1) | 3,500 lb | 7,700 lb | GLE |
| Cargo behind rear seats (1) | 29.6 cu ft | — | No data |
| Standard seats (1) | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| Median discount verified buyers got (1) | 2.8% off MSRP | — | No data |
| Weighted points | 1.5 | 2 | GLE |
Which one we'd buy, and for whom
- Family. Families: it's a wash — RX 5 vs GLE 5 (standard seats).
- Resale. Resale-minded buyers: the RX — 58.3% vs 41.8% (5-year value retained).
- Towing. Towing: the GLE — 7,700 lb vs 3,500 lb (max towing).
Price: sticker and what buyers paid
A current starting MSRP isn't on file for both models. Verified RX buyers paid a median 2.8% off MSRP across 26 deals; the CarWhere Index target is 4.9% off. Used, the median asking price is $30,164 for the RX and $48,957 for the GLE (all model years, US dealer listings).
Reliability: NHTSA complaints and recalls
- RX: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
- GLE: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
Complaint rates are owner complaints filed with NHTSA divided by vehicles sold — a federal-data signal, not a survey score.
Specs side by side
| 2027 RX | 2027 GLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (base trim) | $53,900 | — |
| Top-trim MSRP | $71,960 | — |
| Horsepower | 246–366 hp | 255–603 hp |
| Max torque | 406 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft |
| EPA combined | 24–36 mpg (hybrid avail.) | — |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb | 7,700 lb |
| Seats (standard / max) | 5 / 5 | 5 / 7 |
| Cargo behind rear seats | 29.6 cu ft | — |
Automaker-published figures; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. "—" = not published.
Resale: 5-year value retained
A 5-year-old (2021) RX lists for a median $35,900 — 58.3% of today's median new price of $61,612. A 5-year-old (2021) GLE lists for a median $32,839 — 41.8% of today's median new price of $78,504.
Shop both
- See new 2027 Lexus RX for sale →
- See 7,073 new 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLEs for sale →Median listed price $80,515 · updated Nov 7, 2026
Negotiating either one?
CarWhere PRO ($12.99/mo) shows the 75th-percentile target price for your exact trim and zip, comparable nearby deals, and an AI quote analyzer. See PRO → · Checking a specific used one? The $9.99 Full VIN Report covers the federal record + original window sticker.
More on the Lexus RX
More on the Mercedes-Benz GLE
Related head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the RX better than the GLE?
On our data, no — the GLE comes out ahead. Our pick: the GLE — it leads our weighted scorecard 2–1.5 across 4 categories, winning on more available power (603 hp vs 366 hp) and more towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 3,500 lb). Choose the RX if you'll sell in about five years (58.3% vs 41.8% of value retained).
Which is more reliable, the RX or the GLE?
We only rank reliability by NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, and that rate isn't available for both models yet.
Which holds its value better, the RX or the GLE?
The RX: a 5-year-old example lists for 58.3% of the new price, versus 41.8% for the GLE, based on median used asking prices against today's median new price.
Which is cheaper, the RX or the GLE?
We don't have a current starting MSRP for both models.
Which has better gas mileage, the RX or the GLE?
EPA ratings aren't on file for both models.
How we score
Each category compares one published number per model and counts only when both models have it. The winner earns the category weight; results inside the tie band earn nothing. Our pick has more weighted points; level points fall back to more category wins, then the reliability winner, then the price winner.
- Starting MSRP: lower wins; tie within 3%.
- NHTSA complaints per 1,000 sold: lower wins; tie within 15%.
- 5-year value retained: higher wins; tie within 2 points.
- Best EPA combined: higher wins; tie within 1 mpg (3 MPGe).
- Most horsepower available: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Max towing: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Cargo behind rear seats: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Standard seats: higher wins; tie same count.
- Median discount verified buyers got: higher wins; tie within 0.5 points.
- Recalls, 2023–2025 model years: lower wins; tie within 1.
Towing weighs 2 for pickups and 1 otherwise; seating is only scored between SUVs and minivans, using standard (never optional) seats. Sources: automaker spec pages and order guides; EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov); NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns against published US sales; median used asking prices across active US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers; verified buyer-submitted deal sheets for discounts.
Cite this page: CarWhere, "2027 Lexus RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE: We Compared the Data," carwhere.com/compare-cars/lexus-rx-vs-mercedes-benz-gle, updated November 8, 2026.