2021 Toyota Sienna vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, despite its lineage, did not quite capture the visual allure expected from a luxury SUV. Its exterior design, while featuring an aggressive front nose and a sloping hood, seemed to lose its distinctiveness past the A-pillar, blending into the familiar silhouette of its predecessors. The flat taillights and contoured rear attempted to add some flair, but the overall look was overshadowed by competitors like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior of the GLE was a different story. It was a showcase of luxury, with high-quality materials and a striking red and black colour scheme. The interior design was both bold and sophisticated, featuring LED-outlined grab handles and a plethora of premium materials, although some controls felt less robust.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid aimed to redefine minivan aesthetics with a more SUV-like appearance. Its wide grille and sleek LED headlamps contributed to a modern look, while the redesigned sliding doors added a touch of assertiveness. The Sienna's exterior was marked by Toyota's renowned fit and finish, ensuring a high-quality build. Inside, the Sienna emphasized spaciousness and practicality, with a higher seating position and a simple, uncluttered dashboard. The centre console was thoughtfully designed, offering ample storage and convenience features. The second and third rows provided comfortable seating for adults, with the second row offering flexible configurations to maximize space and comfort.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance, offering a range of advanced suspension and engine configurations. The base GLE 350 featured a reliable coil-sprung setup, while the GLE 450 introduced AIRMATIC air springs for adaptive ride heights. The AMG models took performance to another level with AMG Ride Control+ and E-Active Body Control, allowing the GLE to lean into turns like a motorcyclist. The GLE 53 Coupe, with its electric supercharger, delivered quick throttle response, although it wasn't as exhilarating as expected. The hybrid EQ Boost system provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, but it didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE's towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms was impressive, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid marked Toyota's first hybrid minivan, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing a combined 243 horsepower. The Sienna offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, with the latter using a separate electric motor for the rear wheels. The electronically controlled CVT provided smooth power delivery, although it lacked the punch of a traditional transmission. The Sienna's handling was improved with new suspension systems, offering a comfortable and composed ride. The standout feature was its fuel efficiency, with FWD models achieving 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway, making it an economical choice for families.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a spacious interior, with most models accommodating five passengers, while an optional third row increased capacity to seven. The second-row seats featured power controls for added comfort, and the cargo capacity was generous, with 630 litres behind the second row and 2,055 litres with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had a more limited cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The MBUX infotainment system improved usability with a single touchpad and intuitive interface, although some controls required familiarization.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna excelled in practicality, with a standard third-row bench that easily folded into the floor. The second row offered 63.5 centimetres of sliding range, providing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row. The Sienna's cargo capacity was impressive, with 949 litres behind the third row, 2,129 litres behind the second row, and 2,860 litres behind the first row. The hybrid battery was cleverly positioned under the front seats, preserving cargo space. Power-operated sliding doors and a rear liftgate added convenience, making the Sienna a family-friendly choice.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture control and a customizable head-up display. The AMG models included a Track Pace app for performance enthusiasts, while the Seat Kinetics system adjusted seating positions for comfort. The GLE offered a range of ambient lighting options and a natural voice assistant that responded to commands. The semi-automated driving features provided convenience and safety, although the extensive array of electronic features could be overwhelming for some users.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna offered a comprehensive suite of technology features, with a standard nine-inch touchscreen providing access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sienna included a year’s trial of Safety Connect and Remote Connect, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a premium audio system with JBL speakers and a rear-seat entertainment system with a wide-screen display. The driver benefited from a digital rearview mirror and a colour multi-information display, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a range of safety and driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems provided additional protection in the event of a crash, while the stability control system compensated for crosswinds.

The 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and a pre-collision system. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control. The Sienna was fitted with 10 airbags and LATCH connectors for child seats. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for families.