2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. With a length of 182.4 inches and a wheelbase of 111.4 inches, the GLB was slightly larger than the GLA but just shy of the GLC's dimensions. Despite these differences, the GLB shared a familial resemblance with its lineup mates, characterized by its attractive, athletic stance and a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps. Inside, the GLB was a modern marvel, featuring a striking design with round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin boasted Mercedes-Benz's signature fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel and perforated leather grips adding to the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner had not seen a redesign in over a decade, yet its rugged, utilitarian design aged well. The 4Runner's two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and utility. Available in various trims, including the SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, the 4Runner offered a range of special editions. Our test vehicle, the Trail Special Edition, was priced at $38,565 for the RWD model, with 4WD adding $1,875. The 4Runner's interior was practical, with hard plastic surfaces and a dashboard featuring large knobs and buttons. Despite its age, the 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and durability, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a rugged SUV.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GLB offered a choice between front-wheel drive and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the FWD version, and 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for the AWD version. Weighing between 3,638 and 3,891 pounds, the GLB achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version provided better handling and agility, especially in adverse weather conditions, and came with the Off-Road Engineering Package for enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a part-time 4WD drivetrain available. The 4Runner's maximum tow rating was 5,000 pounds. While the 4Runner excelled off-road, its on-pavement performance felt slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. The 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 17 mpg combined, with a highway rating of 19 mpg. Despite its age, the 4Runner's off-road prowess and truck-like driving characteristics remained its standout features.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered a choice between a two-row and a three-row configuration. The two-row version provided 27.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. The three-row GLB had 5.1 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The third row was best suited for children or short trips due to limited legroom and headroom. The GLB's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with available heated and ventilated options. The second row offered ample comfort for two adults, with modern amenities like door pockets, map pockets, and cupholders.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured a high ground clearance, which could pose a challenge for shorter passengers. Inside, the 4Runner provided comfortable seating with ample legroom in the rear, along with air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. A third-row seat was available, but our test vehicle included a sliding cargo deck instead, offering up to 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Trail Special Edition's roof rack added extra storage capacity, making it ideal for adventurous outings.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, featuring voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen display, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and a power liftgate. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches and added a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included augmented reality navigation and traffic-sign assist. Advanced options like adaptive damping, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a head-up display were also available.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition offered basic technology features. It came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist. The infotainment system's physical buttons and knobs were user-friendly, even with gloves on, and the software provided effective voice recognition and navigation capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB featured a range of standard safety technologies, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and attention assist. Optional safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist, active steering assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound. However, the GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. However, its protection in small overlap frontal-impact collisions was rated as Marginal by the IIHS, reflecting its older design.