2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, was a fresh addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, fitting snugly between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC. Despite its unique dimensions, distinguishing the GLB from its siblings required a closer look at the badge, as Mercedes-Benz's signature styling was evident across its SUV range. The GLB boasted an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 20 centimetres of ground clearance, which was more forgiving on soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC. Inside, the GLB impressed with its modern design, featuring round shapes across the dash, polished metal HVAC vents, and a single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and infotainment screen. The cabin's fit and finish were of typical Mercedes-Benz excellence, with a beefy, perforated leather steering wheel adding to the luxurious feel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out in the crowded midsize SUV market with its distinctive design. Its wide headlights, long hood, and assertive trapezoidal grille made a statement, while the character line along the side echoed the profile of the Supra sports car. The taillights, reminiscent of a Lexus model, added to its unique look. For 2021, Toyota introduced the XSE trim, featuring a more aggressive front end and suspension tuning, though it didn't transform the Highlander into a performance vehicle. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, offered an upscale appearance with chrome accents and a luxurious interior. The Highlander's interior boasted near-flawless fit and finish, with tan leather seats and dark brown trim, complemented by wood details. While sportiness was a nice-to-have, the Highlander excelled in comfort and convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with a single engine option, a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-4 gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, featuring wheel-mounted shift paddles. The GLB's 4MATIC all-wheel drive was standard in Canada, providing better handling in adverse weather and improved driving feel on dry roads. With a curb weight of 1,765 kilograms, the GLB offered a 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h. While not a performance powerhouse, the GLB's power delivery was linear and predictable, suitable for a family SUV. The 4MATIC system included features like hill-start assist and downhill speed regulation, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the Highlander's powertrain was reliable and smooth, though not designed for high-performance driving. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of horsepower and torque. The Highlander's suspension provided a comfortable ride, though it tended to lumber through corners. The XSE trim offered a sportier suspension setup with higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, and a rear stabilizer bar, appealing to those seeking a bit of driving excitement in a family-focused vehicle.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered the option of a third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo space. The second row featured a 40:20:40 split seatback with adjustable recline angles and a 40:60 split seat bottom that could slide six inches. In three-row models, the second row had an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not in use. Cargo space varied depending on the seating configuration, with 764 litres behind the second row in two-row models and 1,755 litres with the second row folded. In three-row models, cargo space was 144 litres behind the third row, 679 litres behind the second row, and 1,605 litres with both rows folded. The third row was best suited for children or short trips for smaller adults. The GLB's front seats were comfortable and highly adjustable, with available heated and ventilated options, while the second row provided ample comfort for two adults.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in passenger comfort and cargo versatility. It featured shelves ahead of the front seats for storage, with a pass-through for charging cords. A wireless charging pad was standard on XSE and higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could move forward and backward to balance space between the middle and rear rows. The third row could accommodate adults, but only if the second-row passengers compromised on comfort. The Highlander's rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling, which some might find less than ideal. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded and 2,245 litres with both the second and third rows down, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was well-equipped with technology, featuring the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, and smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Premium Package upgraded the displays to 10.25 inches each and added features like keyless go and a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Navigation Package included augmented reality for navigation, enhancing the driving experience with graphical instructions and live images. Additional options included adaptive suspension damping, 64-colour interior ambient lighting, wireless device charging, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch unit available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though the navigation system struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, providing seamless smartphone integration. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive, though it limited certain apps to an 8-inch display area. A JBL audio system was standard from the Limited trim, offering good sound quality. The Highlander's technology package was comprehensive, though the value of the larger screen was debatable given its limitations.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was equipped with a range of safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology, crosswind assist, and attention assist. Available safety options included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package added features like active steering assist, active lane change assist, and active brake assist with cross-traffic function. The Pre-Safe system activated safety measures in the event of an imminent collision, while Pre-Safe Sound helped reduce hearing loss from accidents. The GLB had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support. Additional safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring was standard, and LED headlights were included, with LED fog lights available on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.